Boone County Watchdog

Beloit, Wisconsin: the next Ho-Chunk Casino

2012-01-28T15:22:00.001-08:00

The following website is being advertised on many searches for Beloit sites. Click on: http://goodforbeloit.org/ to see for yourself

Tax Foundation ranks Illinois a more favorable tax climate than Wisconsin

2012-01-28T12:20:00.001-08:00

Illinois is ranked #28 (middle rank of 50 states+ versus Wisconsin’s #43 (8th worse state of 50 states)

The following is taken from: http://taxfoundation.org/research/show/22658.html

Apple’s Blow out earnings have a huge cost

2012-01-26T07:02:00.001-08:00

In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad

By CHARLES DUHIGG and DAVID BARBOZA

Published: January 25, 2012

In the last decade, Apple has become one of the mightiest, richest and most successful companies in the world, in part by mastering global manufacturing. Apple and its high-technology peers — as well as dozens of other American industries — have achieved a pace of innovation nearly unmatched in modern history.

However, the workers assembling iPhones, iPads and other devices often labor in harsh conditions, according to employees inside those plants, worker advocates and documents published by companies themselves. Problems are as varied as onerous work environments and serious — sometimes deadly — safety problems.

District 100’s Community Cupboard—the other food pantry in Belvidere Township

2012-01-25T20:10:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from: http://www.district100.com/District/Pages/Community-Cupboard.aspx

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Index for Concerned Catholics of Boone County

2012-01-25T19:44:00.001-08:00

▼ January (31)

▼ 2011 (258)

▼ December (30)

▼ November (47)

▼ October (25)

▼ September (57)

▼ August (49)

▼ July (50)

Casino gives pay-off to worthy seniors

2012-01-24T15:27:00.001-08:00

The city of Elgin helps out many of its seniors with $200 checks.

The city has had the program in place since late 1996. To qualify for the money, a person had to be 65 or older, live Elgin, have a Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption, and be the owner of a home or mobile home for the 12 months in the year the rebate was issued.

Qualifying homeowners received a $200 check, while qualifying mobile home owners received $35. Since the program’s start, the city has rebated $9,387,015 of its share of casino money with it.

Click on the following for all of the story: http://couriernews.suntimes.com/10187867-417/swan-song-for-elgins-senior-tax-rebates.html

Romney Taxes

2012-01-24T12:10:00.001-08:00

The details are coming out slowly as the actual tax returns themselves have not been released.

The New York Times has some of the most detailed information thus far. There is a minute by minute report as details come out. Click on the following to see the most current releases: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/inside-the-romney-tax-returns/?hp

Burial problems found at VA cemeteries

2012-01-23T21:07:00.001-08:00

VA officials said the problems at seven of its national cemeteries were largely the result of sloppy work during renovations. Headstones and markers were temporarily removed from the ground and reinserted in the wrong places.

Click on the following to read the entire story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/burial-problems-found-at-va-cemeteries/2012/01/23/gIQAYXLFMQ_story.html?wpisrc=al_national

Newt Gengrich’s contract with Freddie Mac

2012-01-23T20:10:00.001-08:00

The short contract is available on line at: http://www.healthtransformation.net/galleries/default-file/FreddieMacAgreement.pdf

What is being requested by many now is on page 2, monthly description of Services performed.

Two Boone County Board Members leaving

2012-01-23T19:15:00.001-08:00

Click on the following to read the story: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7366:smith-resigns-county-board-seat-dini-withdraws-from-primary&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

Tricia Smith’s resignation also reported by Rockford Register Star, available at: http://www.rrstar.com/blogs/kevinhaas/x847553586/Tricia-Smith-resigns-from-Boone-County-Board

Newt Gingrich’s 1994-1997 Ethics Investigation

2012-01-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

Click on the following to read this 800+ page report: http://ethics.house.gov/sites/ethics.house.gov/files/House%20Report%20105-1_1.pdf

Interactive: Gay marriage laws in the U.S. by state

2012-01-23T17:42:00.001-08:00

The changing nature of gay marriage/civil unions is shown for various years by clicking on the following link: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2017315344_interactive.html

1995—Present

Illinois Supreme Court gives OK for cameras in trial courts

2012-01-23T16:30:00.001-08:00

By Scott Reeder | Illinois Statehouse News

The new policy includes some restrictions:

• Jurors and potential jurors may not be photographed.

• Cameras and recording devices will not be allowed in juvenile, divorce, adoption, child custody and evidence suppression cases.

• No more than two television cameras and no more than two still photographers will be allowed in a courtroom at one time.

• Victims of violent felonies, police informants and relocated witnesses may request that the judge prohibit them from being photographed.

Although the policy goes into effect Tuesday, the chief judges of Illinois’ 23 circuit courts are responsible for implementing the policy. Once a chief judge of a circuit court applies and is approved by the Supreme Court, news media may request to cover eligible cases electronically in that circuit court.

Members of the news media are responsible for applying for electronic coverage each time they want to cover a particular case. Specific details of the application process will be released Tuesday.

Read the entire story by clicking on the following: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/7506/illinois-supreme-court-gives-ok-to-cameras-in-trial-courts/

Sun-Times no longer makes political endorsements

2012-01-23T10:18:00.001-08:00

The Chicago Sun-Times said in an editorial published Monday that it will no longer make endorsements in the upcoming election.

The following is taken from: http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/10174893-474/editorial-why-we-will-no-longer-endorse-in-elections.html

Seventy-one years ago, Marshall Field III founded this newspaper to create a bully pulpit, on the editorial page, for America’s entry into the war in Europe and for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s domestic agenda, the New Deal.

Somebody in the Midwest, Field believed, had to stand up and counter the isolationist and anti-Roosevelt fulminations of Col. Robert McCormick and his Chicago Tribune.

It was an era, even then drawing to a close, when many American newspapers were unabashedly partisan, and not necessarily only on the editorial page. Not unlike news shops on cable TV and the Web today, they catered to a core of readers who thought very much like them.

Those days are gone. Most good newspapers today attempt to appeal to the widest possible readership, including people of every political persuasion, by serving up the best and most unbiased news coverage possible. They want to inform you, not spin you.

With this in mind, the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board will approach election coverage in a new way. We will provide clear and accurate information about who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues most important to our city, our state and our country. We will post candidate questionnaires online. We will interview candidates in person and post the videos online. We will present side-by-side comparisons of the candidates’ views on the key issues. We will post assessments made by respected civic and professional groups, such as the Chicago Bar Association’s guide to judicial candidates.

What we will not do is endorse candidates. We have come to doubt the value of candidate endorsements by this newspaper or any newspaper, especially in a day when a multitude of information sources allow even a casual voter to be better informed than ever before.

Research on the matter suggests that editorial endorsements don’t change many votes, especially in higher-profile races. Another school of thought, however — often expressed by readers — is that candidate endorsements, more so than all other views on an editorial page, promote the perception of a hidden bias by a newspaper, from Page One to the sports pages.

In keeping with this effort to go the extra mile to reassure you of our commitment to nonpartisanship, we also have decided to extend to our senior management the journalist code of ethics ban on making contributions to political campaigns.

We pride ourselves in offering a smart editorial page that is deeply engaged in vital civic issues, and we will continue on that course. We have in the last year singled out for special attention a handful of issues on which we believe great progress must be made for the sake of Chicago’s future, beginning with the quality of our public schools, the health of our local economy, the city’s and state’s shaky finances, the crying need for alternatives to prison for low-level nonviolent offenders, and the integrity of our political system. We want a cleaner lake and a cleaner river. We want safer parks and streets. We want an end to daily traffic gridlock.

We’ll keep pushing.

But our goal, when we’re not too much on our high horse, is to inform and influence your thinking, not tell you what to do.

Especially with respect to endorsements.

As many of you have told us, you can make up your own mind, thank you very much.

We endorse that opinion.

John Barron

Publisher

Tom McNamee

Editorial Page Editor

Illinois Sen. Kirk suffers stroke

2012-01-23T10:05:00.001-08:00

spokesperson for Sen. Mark Kirk says the Illinois Republican has suffered a stroke and has undergone surgery.

Read more by clicking on the following: http://www.nwherald.com/2012/01/23/illinois-sen-kirk-suffers-stroke/a443cqw/

Chicago Tribune coverage: "Due to his young age, good health and the nature of the stroke, doctors are very confident in the Senator's recovery over the weeks ahead. Click on the following for more details: "http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-sen-mark-kirk-hospitalized-after-suffering-stroke-20120123,0,6664285.story

BDR Coverage of Capron Rescue continues

2012-01-22T21:33:00.001-08:00

Click on the following to read this on-line article: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7354:lawsuit-dismissed-against-3-capron-rescue-squad-officials&catid=107:poplar-grove&Itemid=509

"…personal purchases allegedly made with district funds, is being investigated by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, he said.

Sikich’s report states it examined 40 transactions during the 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 fiscal years and found 19 of them had no supporting documentation.

‘Of these 40 transactions, we noted three instances where personal purchases were made using district funds,’ the report states. ‘In one instance, the district was reimbursed by the individual who made those purchases. However, there were two instances where the district was either not fully reimbursed “

The County Board of Health spends $16,266 and what did they get?

2012-01-21T13:36:00.001-08:00

An earlier posting (http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2011/12/update-two-boone-county-board-members.html) spoke of a FOIA request from two county board members who wished to read the expensive personnel report that the Board of Health ordered up. The Health Department’s answer was that the Health Department/Board of Health did not have a copy of the report and they would obtain a copy and send it to the requestors.

Apparently the Boone County Journal also requested the controversial report. Below is the BJC story in this weeks paper. Below ”The Report” story is a photocopy of the actual report.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Capron Food Pantry explains their operations

2012-01-20T07:45:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from Page 2, of the Boone County Journal, which is available free of costs at merchants across the county and on line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2012/Boone-County-News-01-20-12.pdf#page=1

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Editor,
Recently there have been many rumors regarding our pantry and the clients we serve. I have decided to write this editorial to set the record straight regarding the people we
serve, what geographical area we serve, and what guidelines we follow.

We receive USDA foods each month and in order to receive food products from this agency, we must follow their guidelines. The monthly income allowed by the USDA for a one person household is $1,180.00. For each
additional household member, we add $414.00. Each client signs a signature sheet that is sent into USDA at the end of
each month. This signature sheet states that anyone who gives false information regarding they income, there is a $25,000.00 fine and up to 5 years in jail and each client is informed of this information before they sign the signature
sheet. Each client is screened every time they visit the pantry and they are entered into a client data program where their file is updated each time they visit our agency.

Regarding the geographical location of our clients, we serve all of Boone County. When someone arrives at our facility, they must provide us with proof of residency. To do this, they bring in two pieces of mail that come to their home (such as a utility bill) with a recent date. They must also bring in a picture ID proving they are who they say they are. Each new client gives us the names and birth dates
of everyone in their household as well as any income that the household receives each month. This income should include child support, unemployment benefits, disability,
social security, and the amount of each family member’s paycheck.

There has been some concern that some of our clients drive up in a nice vehicle or they dress nice. Just to set the record straight, we have volunteers who pick up clients and bring them to the pantry. Many of our clients receive
transportation assistance from friends, neighbors, or family members. In some cases, people lend our clients their vehicle for a few hours to pick up food, non-food products,
clothes, etc. from our facility. Some of our clients have had good paying jobs but have been laid off, their unemployment benefits have run out, and they are forced to come to our pantry to feed their family. These nice cars are the same cars they had when they were gainfully employed. Let’s face it…..how many of us are just a paycheck away from needing
assistance from a food pantry.

It is my hope that this editorial will set the record straight once and for all. If anyone has any doubts about what we do here at the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry or about
the people we serve, I would ask you to take a tour of our facility and spend some time here when we distribute food.

Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Clark, Executive Director

The water costs in Candlewick—how much is enough?

2012-01-20T06:15:00.001-08:00

Click on the following to read the story: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7333:candlewick-lake-holds-public-forum-on-controversial-water-sewer-rate-increases&catid=107:poplar-grove&Itemid=509

Index for Concerned Catholics of Boone County

2012-01-20T05:39:00.001-08:00

Just click on the title to read the posting:

Blog Archive

▼ January (24)

▼ 2011 (258)

December (30)

November (47)

October (25)

▼ August (49)

BDR coverage of Belvidere Township’s fiery January 10th meeting

2012-01-20T05:20:00.001-08:00

The article is available at: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7340:belvidere-township-rebuts-misinformation-in-food-pantry-issue&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

Township Supervisor counters Mrs. Ward’s column on donation to food pantry.

2012-01-17T13:49:00.001-08:00

Mrs. Ward’s column is available at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/01/cathy-ward-criticizes-township-lack-of.html

The above column is available on line at: http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/columnists/x58615064/Guest-Column-Belvidere-Township-defends-denial-of-pantrys-request

Resident takes denial of FOIA request to Attorney General

2012-01-17T13:35:00.001-08:00

now has sent a letter to the Public Access Counselor in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in Springfield, asking for assistance.

And more recently, in a letter to township Trustee Paul Zeien, she addresses his suggestion that the Boone County Board make a donation to the Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry in Capron.

Click on the following to read this story: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7339:resident-takes-denial-of-foia-request-to-attorney-general-&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

Required Open Meetings Act Training

2012-01-17T11:29:00.001-08:00

I believe the above web address is not working, try: http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/default.aspx It is shown below:

What the other food pantry in Belvidere (proper) did during the last month?

2012-01-17T09:59:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from SD #100’s Administrative Highlights in the January 17, 2012 board packet. See: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/district100/Board.nsf/files/8QGLQQ560452/$file/January%20Department%20Highlights.pdf

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Belvidere SD 100’s Revised FOIA policy is a good primer on citizen’s FOIA Rights.

2012-01-17T09:41:00.001-08:00

These are a citizens’ right at all levels of government in Illinois with only minor exceptions for special units such as the courts.

The following is taken from this month’s board packet:

http://www.boarddocs.com/il/district100/Board.nsf/files/8PSHQM499EE1/$file/Working%202.250%20Access%20to%20District%20Public%20Records.pdf

Governor Who Took On Unions May Face a Closely Watched Recall Election

2012-01-16T08:49:00.001-08:00

By a state deadline on Tuesday, these volunteers, many of them Democrats and union supporters, say they will submit at least 720,000 names on petitions to recall Gov. Scott Walker, the Republican who curtailed collective bargaining rights for public workers, leading to a face-off in this state.

….thousands more signatures than the 540,208 required for a new election

Click on the following for more of the story: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/us/scott-walker-recall-drive-is-closely-watched.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1

Reassuring article on Poplar Grove

2012-01-13T07:58:00.001-08:00

The following article is available at: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7310:poplar-groves-financial-house-returning-to-order-&catid=107:poplar-grove&Itemid=509

Update on the Capron Rescue Computer Case

2012-01-13T07:48:00.001-08:00

Read all about the defense’s move for dismissal. Click on the following: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7321:dismissal-sought-for-suit-against-capron-rescue-squad-officials&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

Walker, Texas (Money) Ranger: Can Lone-Star Cash Save Anti-Labor Governor?

2012-01-12T20:02:00.001-08:00

When Walker’s campaign announced a month ago that it had raised more than $5 million to fight the recall, there was an embarrassing footnote.

Half of the governor’s campaign kitty came from donors who did not live in Wisconsin.

Remarkably, 10 percent of all the money Walker had raised came from one Southern state: Texas.

That’s why Walker returned to Texas Thursday.

Click on the following for all of the story: http://www.thenation.com/blog/165619/walker-texas-money-ranger-can-lone-star-cash-save-anti-labor-governor

Analysis: Romney lacks clear remedy for U.S. economy

2012-01-12T19:57:00.001-08:00

Economists and political strategists are skeptical that his economic plan will remain so radical as the campaign evolves. It sits uneasily with his track record as a moderate, could alienate independent voters he would need to defeat Obama, and deep, rapid budget cuts would risk tanking a shaky economy growing at a 2 percent pace.

How can Poplar Grove Township assist the pantry and Belvidere Township cannot?

2012-01-10T21:57:00.001-08:00

“Hunger is Unacceptable in our Community “

People are surprised to learn that in this community there are people, young, elderly and in-between, who do not have the resources to feed themselves or their families adequately. That is why the Belvidere /Boone County Food Pantry exists – to aid those who need food especially on an emergency basis. We want to make sure that every person/child/family has the food they need to sustain themselves. So, we are seeking donations to help the 1500 – 2000 individuals (on average) who use our pantry every month. With this bad economic time, the number of people who need the food pantry’s assistance keeps increasing.

On September 27, I spoke to the Board of Trustees at the Belvidere Township meeting to ask them for a donation so we may continue to provide food and other necessities to the people in Belvidere Township who are live in poverty and need our help. We have not received support from the Belvidere Township in the past, but hope that will change in the future. We serve a significant number of Belvidere township residents and have been doing so for the past 7 years. Poplar Grove Township has been generous in financially assisting the pantry this past year and our hope is that the other townships in Boone County will follow their example. We need the support of all of our local governments to help us continue the services we have been providing to our clients for several years. We are not supported by any State or Federal entities. The pantry is stocked entirely by the generosity of individuals, businesses, civic groups and the faith based community. This support has sustained us for a long time, but now with the increased unemployment in our area, we need financial assistance to make sure every household receives the food and daily essentials necessary for day to day existence.

Our pledges are down, our donations of products are down, and the number of people we serve continues to rise. We need help feeding your neighbor, maybe a family member, the person you sit next to in church, or someone you work beside. Some of our past contributors are now our clients.

“It’s a Community Problem ... None of us want to see people going Hungry”

If you are willing to help, please call Linda Clark, executive director of the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry at 815/979-5412.

Thank you and God bless all of the generous people and businesses in Boone County who have supported us in the past.

Sincerely,

Linda Clark

Executive Director

Belvidere /Boone County Food Pantry

How many residents of Boone County received General Assistance last year?

2012-01-10T17:11:00.001-08:00

Below on the numbers for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.

There were 27 cases of General Assistance in Belvidere Township; 31 cases in the remaining eight townships for a total of 58 cases. All township use the Belvidere Township office to process their claims.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

“King of Bain”—30 minutes of truth or misrepresentation?

2012-01-10T14:14:00.001-08:00

Mitt Romney is the "King of Bain," according to a video released by a Super PAC closely aligned with Newt Gingrich.

It is payback time for Gingrich.

Newt Gingrich is repaying his debt to Mitt Romney.

Gingrich felt that Romney unfairly attacked him during the Iowa Caucus with Super PAC ads that Romney said he had nothing to do with. Then Newt called Mitt a liar.

Click on the arrow to see all eight clips

Where are all the people who use the Capron Food Pantry from?

2012-01-10T10:36:00.001-08:00

The following was submitted to Belvidere Township to support the request from Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry for a donation.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Insurance law suits may tell new facts concerning NKD explosion

2012-01-09T11:12:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from: http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20120106/NEWS06/120109953?tags=%7C306%7C338%7C68%7C75%7C76%7C302#

The reader should read all of the article to properly understand these facts.

“Prior to the explosion, NDK become aware of a large crack in one of the vessel's lids. NDK temporarily ceased operations in 2007 and notified Nipponkoa of potential claims. Later in the year, NDK resumed operations, after which Nipponkoa warned NDK that it would not provide insurance coverage in the event of loss or damage as a result of operating the vessels in their current condition.”

Belvidere Township Agenda: Tuesday, January 10-2011

2012-01-09T07:08:00.001-08:00

The public will have an opportunity for public comment in the”public input” section. Perhaps someone will bring up Mrs. Ward’s article in Sunday’s Rockford Register Star. (http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/whatyouresaying/x915103960/Guest-Column-Belvidere-Township-officials-reject-pantry-request)

On the agenda is the required financial disclosure for non-profits seeking financial assistance. The Boone County Food Pantry has already completed this form but apparently the board wished to make it an ordinance now.

AGENDA

BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP

MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD

8200 Fairgrounds Road

January 10, 2012 – 5:00 P.M.

I. Call to Order / Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

IV. Transfers

V. Reports

a. Supervisor’s Report

b. Highway Commissioner’s Report

c. Assessor’s Report

d. Clerk’s Report

e. Trustee’s Report

VI. Unfinished Business

a. Disposal of Equipment

b. Financial Request Forms

VII. Legal

VIII.New Business

a. Weight Restriction Ordinance

b. US Postal Resolution

IX. Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Bills

X. Public Input

XI. Closed Session

XII. Adjournment

* Please note in order to take final action on an item it must be specified on the posted agenda 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Cathy Ward Criticizes Township lack of public assistance

2012-01-09T07:06:00.001-08:00

The following article appeared in this Sunday’s Register Star and is available on line at: http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/whatyouresaying/x915103960/Guest-Column-Belvidere-Township-officials-reject-pantry-request

Boone County States Attorney request additional attorney

2012-01-07T23:08:00.001-08:00

The issue will be discussed on Tuesday, January 10 (6PM Administrative Building) at the Finance, Taxation & Salaries Committee Meeting of the Boone County Board

The written request is available for the public to review at: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/8Q9VS2700256/$file/fines%20and%20fees.pdf

The issue which strikes me is why is the crime rate/case load so high relative to our population here in Boone County?

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

The Labor Market in Illinois

2012-01-05T18:28:00.001-08:00

National numbers show improvement many Illinois numbers show no improvement from a year earlier.

BDR: Boone County CASA seeking more volunteer advocates

2012-01-05T14:08:00.001-08:00

An advocate will invest 10-12 hours a month, per case, while working with different people in a variety of settings and sometimes dealing with difficult problems.

They review records, research information and talk with everyone involved with the case including the child, parents, foster parents, other caretakers, teachers, family members, attorneys, social workers, counselors and anyone else who may have relevant information.

The advocate will help decide whether it’s best for a child to remain in foster care, be placed for adoption or return to his or her parents. Also, does the child need some kind of therapy? Is special education in the child’s best interest?

Click on the following to read all of this story: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7307:boone-county-casa-seeking-more-volunteer-advocates&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

All elected or appointed officials are required to be trained on Open Meetings Act

2012-01-04T21:02:00.001-08:00

Open Meetings (HB 1670/PA 97-0504): Requires all current and future elected and appointed officials in Illinois to take Open Meetings Act training courses administered by the Public Access Counselor in the Attorney General’s office. Elected school board members are exempted from receiving their training through the AG’s office if they take an alternate course offered by an institution created under Article 23 of the School Code.

The actual act is available at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=097-0504 and is shown below. The underline portions are the new or amended sections.

HB1670 Enrolled
LRB097 10495 JDS 50792 b

AN ACT concerning government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,

represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Open Meetings Act is amended by changing

Sections 1.05 and 4 as follows:

(5 ILCS 120/1.05)

Sec. 1.05. Training.

(a) Every public body shall designate employees, officers,

or members to receive training on compliance with this Act.

Each public body shall submit a list of designated employees,

officers, or members to the Public Access Counselor. Within 6

months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

96th General Assembly, the designated employees, officers, and

members must successfully complete an electronic training

curriculum, developed and administered by the Public Access

Counselor, and thereafter must successfully complete an annual

training program. Thereafter, whenever a public body

designates an additional employee, officer, or member to

receive this training, that person must successfully complete

the electronic training curriculum within 30 days after that

designation.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, each

elected or appointed member of a public body subject to this

Act who is such a member on the effective date of this

amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly must successfully

complete the electronic training curriculum developed and

administered by the Public Access Counselor. For these members,

the training must be completed within one year after the

effective date of this amendatory Act.

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, each elected

or appointed member of a public body subject to this Act who

becomes such a member after the effective date of this

amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly shall successfully

complete the electronic training curriculum developed and

administered by the Public Access Counselor. For these members,

the training must be completed not later than the 90th day

after the date the member:

(1) takes the oath of office, if the member is required

to take an oath of office to assume the person's duties as

a member of the public body; or

(2) otherwise assumes responsibilities as a member of

the public body, if the member is not required to take an

oath of office to assume the person's duties as a member of

the governmental body.

Each member successfully completing the electronic

training curriculum shall file a copy of the certificate of

completion with the public body.

Completing the required training as a member of the public

body satisfies the requirements of this Section with regard to

the member's service on a committee or subcommittee of the

public body and the member's ex officio service on any other

public body.

The failure of one or more members of a public body to

complete the training required by this Section does not affect

the validity of an action taken by the public body.

An elected or appointed member of a public body subject to

this Act who has successfully completed the training required

under this subsection (b) and filed a copy of the certificate

of completion with the public body is not required to

subsequently complete the training required under this

subsection (b).

(c) An elected school board member may satisfy the training

requirements of this Section by participating in a course of

training sponsored or conducted by an organization created

under Article 23 of the School Code. The course of training

shall include, but not be limited to, instruction in:

(1) the general background of the legal requirements

for open meetings;

(2) the applicability of this Act to public bodies;

(3) procedures and requirements regarding quorums,

notice, and record-keeping under this Act;

(4) procedures and requirements for holding an open

meeting and for holding a closed meeting under this Act;

and

(5) penalties and other consequences for failing to

comply with this Act.

If an organization created under Article 23 of the School

Code provides a course of training under this subsection (c),

it must provide a certificate of course completion to each

school board member who successfully completes that course of

training.

(Source: P.A. 96-542, eff. 1-1-10.)

(5 ILCS 120/4) (from Ch. 102, par. 44)

Sec. 4. Any person violating any of the provisions of this

Act, except subsection (b) or (c) of Section 1.05, shall be

guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

(Source: P. A. 77-2549.)

Effective Date: 1/1/2012

Belvidere Daily Republican: Belvidere Township & the Food Pantry

2012-01-03T18:49:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from the on-line version of the Belvidere Daily Republican available at: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7305:belvidere-township-rejects-food-pantry-donation-request&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

BCJ: Local Year in Review

2011-12-31T14:05:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from Page 2 of this week’s (December 30, 2011) Boone County Journal. This is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on the internet at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2011/Boone-County-News-12-30-11.pdf#page=1

Public Pension Web site now known in Freeport

2011-12-28T11:02:00.001-08:00

Apparently Freeport received word of the site simultaneously with my first posting.

see: http://blumdoggle.blogspot.com/2011/12/public-pensions-in-freeport.html

Rockford makes the “bad list”

2011-12-28T10:02:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43158398/ns/business-us_business/t/crime-down-these-cities-are-still-dangerous/#.TvrMHdRSQYk

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Local Government Pensions

2011-12-28T08:47:00.001-08:00

The following are taken from Champion pension site. Some of the list are only partial list of the highest paid.

All are taken from the following: http://www.webploration.com/Pensions/PBE.php?Employer_search=belvidere&sel_id=2544&pe_op=send&PE_submit=Find+Pensions

Belvidere Community Schools IMFR

Boone County

Rock Valley College—SURS

Other note worthies by name only:

Is Governor Walker seeking CA money for the recall campaign?

2011-12-28T06:17:00.001-08:00

Take a look at this article at: http://totalbuzz.ocregister.com/2011/12/27/wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-coming-to-o-c/81254/

Scott Walker: Regrets

2011-12-28T06:13:00.001-08:00

Take a look at this interesting news article by clicking on the following: http://www.rivertowns.net/event/article/id/234115/group/State%20News/

BCJ: County approves New Tenant at Maple Crest Center

2011-12-23T08:36:00.001-08:00

The following is from page 3, of the 12-23-2011 Boone County Journal which is available free of cost at merchants across the county. Il is also available online at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2011/Boone-County-News-12-23-11.pdf#page=3

Click on the following photocopy to enlarge:

EDITORIAL Beloit Daily News: Let sun shine on payback

2011-12-22T09:23:00.001-08:00

from: http://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-let-sun-shine-on-payback/article_779b6bb4-2beb-11e1-b1de-001871e3ce6c.html

Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 4:00 pm

EDITORIAL: Let sun shine on payback

Another example of why alternative energy can be tough sell.

THOSE SOLAR PANELS on top of (Beloit) City Hall look all cool and high-tech, and presumably will win Beloit a few plaudits for going green and demonstrating environmental sensitivity.

But what about the math?

According to numbers provided to the Daily News by City Hall, the project carried a price tag of about $180,000. The 125 solar panels will produce a trickle of electricity — about 30 kilowatts at peak performance. Projections call for the panels to reduce the City Hall utility costs 8-9 percent, somewhere in the range of maybe $3,500 a year.

CRUNCH THOSE NUMBERS and this is what you get: Return on investment, or payback, will take more than 50 years.

And, by the way, the system is designed to last around 40 years.

In a nutshell, this is why alternative energy has such a tough time catching on in America. This is a bottom-line country, where hard-nosed business types crunch numbers with ferocity. Investments are made because the numbers add up and there’s a reasonable plan for a solid return. Sentimentality and wishful thinking don’t make the cut.

So solar panels with weak payback or electric cars that conk out every 40 miles have a tough time finding a market in the private sector.

Instead, panels wind up on government roofs.

What’s next? Electric fire engines?

Where is Gov. Walker’s money opposing the recall coming from?

2011-12-22T06:05:00.001-08:00

About half is from out of state.

Some of the largest donations include:

• $250,000 by Bob Perry of Houston, famous for the "Swift Boat" ads against John Kerry during the 2004 presidential campaign.

• $205,500 by Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein of Illinois, who run Uline Shipping Supply Specialists. Walker is scheduled to deliver a jobs announcement Friday from a Uline plant in Hudson, Wis.

• $100,000 by Foster Friess of Wyoming, a philanthropist and Wisconsin native.

• $50,000 by Roger Hertog, co-founder of The New York Sun and current chairman of the Manhattan Institute.

• $20,000 by H.R. Perot of Plano, Texas, chairman of Perot Systems and son of the two-time third-party candidate for president, Ross Perot.

"In all our years of analysis, we have never seen a politician try to win a Wisconsin race with so much non-Wisconsin money," said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now executive director.

Some of the bigger in-state contributors were the Schuettes, the family that runs Wausau Homes Inc. They gave $150,000 in total.

Sparland, Il faces state investigations over FOIA issues as village officials resignation

2011-12-21T20:43:00.001-08:00

This story has been printed in the Chicago Tribune however the original story is for the Peoria Star: http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1481469243/Another-resignation-cuts-Sparland-board-down-to-three

The resignations come in the wake of a third investigation by the Illinois Attorney General's Office into village practices. That involves alleged failure to comply with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, while two earlier probes focus on possible violations of the state's Open Meetings Act.

In addition, the board had to revote on some major ordinance amendments that had been passed with illegal "proxy" voting by absent members, including a water rate increase. The village also faces enforcement action from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency over a sewer problem. And Fluffers, which opened last spring, has continued to generate divisions on the board

Here is earlier article on the story:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x2140450728/Sparland-faces-new-investigation-alleged-violation-of-Freedom-of-Information-Act

Resident Margaret Murry, who has been a vocal critic of village government in recent months, submitted the FOIA request on Nov. 17 to village clerk and then-FOIA officer Susan Persinger. Murry asked for records that included meeting minutes, copies of some ordinances and amendments, certain financial records and the oaths of office taken by elected officials.

State law requires a response to FOIA requests within five working days. Murry asked the AG's Office to review the matter after two weeks had passed.

"The public body has failed to respond to my request," she wrote.

The investigation comes at a time when the village has no one filling the legally required position of FOIA officer

Attention: Citizens of Belvidere Township—The Food Pantry Donation is still on the Agenda

2011-12-21T14:30:00.001-08:00

This maybe the opportunity for which the Board of Trustees is waiting. A meeting in which there will be few members of the public so the board can dispose of this matter they way they wish. Remember that our community’s current hunger problems are not going away soon.

Please come on Tuesday at 5:00 and be heard. Or call your township official shown below:

AGENDA

BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP

MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD

8200 Fairgrounds Road

December 27, 2011 – 5:00 P.M.

I. Call to Order / Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

IV. Transfers

V. Reports

a. Supervisor’s Report

b. Highway Commissioner’s Report

c. Assessor’s Report

d. Clerk’s Report

e. Trustee’s Report

VI. Unfinished Business

a. Disposal of Equipment

b. Financial Request Forms

c. Belvidere/Boone Co. Food Pantry Request

VII. Legal

VIII.New Business

IX. Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Bills

X. Public Input

XI. Closed Session

XII. Adjournment

* Please note in order to take final action on an item it must be specified on the posted agenda 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Maple Crest’s new lease: Are the County’s rights changing? Is there now more risk?

2011-12-20T06:49:00.001-08:00

The following email and formal letter was sent to the county board by Board Member Pat Mattison in hopes of postponing their decision regarding the new lease. There appears to be many unanswered questions. Should the county vote on this issue without the answers?

Mr. Mattison’s email to members of county board:

I strongly believe that we should follow the suggestion of the auditor (Sikich LLP) and consult legal counsel (that deal with these issues day to day) to..."obtain an opinion about the proposed amendments to the lease agreement and the Assignment and Assumption of the lease noted above at 2 c., and also the recommendation..."the County consult legal counsel with respect to the level of due diligence necessary/require prior to agreeing to an assignment." Replacement value of Maple Crest is over $6,000,000, not including the 13 plus acres of property. The county will be agreeing to amending the lease and control to the lender, which is a change from the current lease. The county will also be guaranteeing improvements, which inceases risk, without compensa

12/19/11

To: The Boone County Board, The Kessington Group, The NuCare Group

Re: Maple Crest assignment of of Lease and Amendments due diligence

Purpose: To provide information on the proposed lease assignment of Maple Crest from Maple Crest Care Centre L.L.C. to Diana Squaw Prairie, L.L.C. et al, The mission is to inform the public and the County Board the nature of the change of operation created by the assignments and amendments to the Maple Crest operation.

All parties--the Boone County Board, the general public, the Kessington Group , the NuCare Group et al--need to recognize Boone County and the Maple Crest properties and improvements are not investors, and they should not be treated as such. The current Lease between The Maple Crest Care Center (Kesseinton) and the Boone County Board protects Boone County from any loss and claims by the Lessee of the Home and from any lender on the Lessee. Boone County, the owner, does not participate in the operation, profits or losses, and should not he held accountable for any losses, per the current lease. Those risks should be between the Lessee and the Lender which probably can be accomplished with a performance bond, or insurance policy without any exposure to the County.

According to insurance records on file, replacement cost for Maple Crest is over $6 million, which does not include 13 acres of property. The current operation returns $648,076 (EBITDAR), to the current Lessee with $5,671,111 Revenues and $5,023,035 Expenses. Kessington is currently operating at a profit of which a substantial portion could be pledged towards any loan.

According to our present LEASE ARRANGEMENT (Kessington), Article XVII - Assignmment and Subletting Paragraph 17.1 of our present lease on page 27..."Lessor shall have reasonable time to meet and discuss with the prospective sub-leasee or assignee to conduct due diligence and review operations of the prospective sub leasee or assignee to ensure that it is a like operator with like financial strength."

n Paragraph 17.1 it also states (page 28) ""As a condition of granting its consent to any sublease or assignment, Lessee shall pay, and Lessee hereby agrees to pay, any and all reasonable out-of-pocket third party costs and expenses of Lessor incurred in connection with such sublease or assignment, including, without limitation, all due diligence costs and attorneys' fees.

According to the ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE AND CONSENT OF LESSOR Document, Exhibit B, Tenant Subtenant Entity Chart, the existing tenant (Maple Crest Care Centre L.L.C. will assign to Diana Squaw Prairie Road, L.L.C.(new Tenant/FC entity) who sublets to Diana Master Landlord, L.L.C. (FC entity), who Sub-Sublets to Symphony M,L., L.L.C. (Master Tenant/NuCare entity) who Sub-sub-sublets to Symphony Healthcare, L.L.C. (Subtenant/NuCare entity) who Sub-sub-sub-sublets to Symphony__________. L.L.C. (Sub-Subtenant operator/NuCare entity)

***The Assignment is directing Boone County to assign to a new tenant with four (4) Sublets--5 organizations total, of which information is lacking and the implications if there are lease problems has not been explained. Do we need guarantees from them all? There has hardly been time to do due diligence.***

In the Assignment Document under covenants and agreements:

Paragraph 6. Consent of Lessor to Alterations, "Assignee desires to perform, or cause Subtenant to perform, certain capital improvements to the Property, which shall be outlined on a construction schedule to be attached hereto as Exhibit C. There is no Exhibit C schedule and Boone County should have a clear and concise indication of the plans and improvements before signing the assignment. Indications are there could be more than $1 million expended.

Further, in Paragraph 6 it states..."if the Tenant Improvements are required by applicable law or by Assignees lender, then Lessor's consent shall not be required." There is no Exhibit C to approve in advance and apparently, this changes the control of the Maple Crest property from Boone County to the Lender.

Paragraph 12. Conflict. "To the extent that any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Assignment are inconsistent with any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Lease, the terms, covenants and conditions of this Assignment shall control." This also changes the control of Maple Crest from Boone County to the lender.

LANDLORD ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

a) Under paragraph A., Item 8, page 2 -- explain intent of phrase..."except in favor of Agent in connection with the Loan."

THIRD AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT

In RECITALS on page one, 5th paragraph, it states..."a loan to Lessee, or its Affiliate, to be secured, in part, by the liens, assignments, security interests and provisions of a certain Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents...puts control to the lender and puts rent payments to county at risk.

In the Agreement on page 2, Paragraph 1. Item (c) it states..."In the event of a default by Lessee under the Lease, Leasehold Mortgagee shall have the right,**BUT NOT THE OBLIGATION, to remedy such default"...It appears, again, the Lender controls the destiny of the Maple Crest property, and not the County, and is not obligated to cure the default.

On page 4,Paragraph 1, Item (i) "Leasehold Mortagagee may enforce its rights under its Leasehold Mortgage and acquire Lessee's interest in the Property in any lawful way and without Lessor's consent, and pending foreclosure of such Leasehold Mortgage, take possession of the Property. Again, the lender takes control of the Maple Crest property.

On page 5, Paragraph 1, Item (p) "Lessor consents to Lessee's grant to Leasehold Mortgagee of (i) a security interest in personal property owned by Lessee and located at the Property...Lessor hereby irrevocably subordinates any lien, security interest or other interest Lessor may have in and to such personal property, such subleases and rents, etc. to the Leasehold Mortgagee. Again, this subordinates Boone County's ownership to the Lender.

On page 6, Paragraph 1, Item (q) "In the event of any casualty to or condemnation of the Property or any portion thereof during the existence of any Leasehold Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgagee shall be entitled to receive all insurance proceeds and or condemnation awards (up to the amount of the indebtedness secured to the Leasehold Mortgagee) otherwise payable to Lessor or Lessee and apply them in accordance with the Leasehold Mortgage

Again, Boone County's interests in Maple Crest are subordinate to the lender.

1. A news story in the Boone County Journal reports a question asking if Boone County would be responsible for any remodeling costs and the reply from answer from the operator at Maple Crest answered..."with the financing, the elements have not yet been finalized."

Question: Is Boone County being asked to participate in any costs?

2. Are there disclosure laws that the Kensington Group should abide by? Disclosure of the intent to assign the lease was not given when the lease was re-negotiated earlier this year and signed in September--this eliminated the County from seeking other interested operators in the market.

There are many unanswered questions, there is information that is not available relative to improvements that we are being asked to approve, and even though there is much work that has been accomplished, I feel we should embrace our Auditor's (SIKICH LLP) consul and consult outside legal counsel to obtain an opinion about the proposed amendments to the lease agreement and the Assignment and Assumption of the Lease--and, the recommendation the County consult legal counsel with respect to the level of due diligence necessary required prior to agreeing to an assignment.

Boone County should explore asking the Lender to explore other ways the new operator can guarantee the loan for improvements without putting the Maple Crest property at risk. Boone Count is not operating the property, receives no benefits from the improvements (increased rents, fees, et al) but is being asked to share the risk. A performance bond might be a remedy, or an insurance policy provided by the Lessee.

Patrick B. Mattison,

BOONE COUNTY BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT

Status of Previous News Posting: Attorney faces Prostitution Charges

2011-12-16T22:07:00.001-08:00

Back in May this story from Sycamore was posted (http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2011/05/sycamore-attorney-faces-prostitution.html

After a bit of research this update from the DeKalb Chronicle (http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_multi=DCIL&p_product=SHNP9&p_theme=shnp9&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_field_label-0=title&p_text_label-0=March%20trial%20set%20for%20attorney%20charged%20with%20prostitution&s_dispstring=headline(March%20trial%20set%20for%20attorney%20charged%20with%20prostitution)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no)

March trial set for attorney charged with prostitution

Author: CAITLIN MULLEN
Date: November 16, 2011
Publication: Daily Chronicle, The (DeKalb, IL)

SYCAMORE – A Sycamore attorney charged with prostitution has had a jury trial set for March. During a court hearing Tuesday at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore, Circuit Judge Robbin Stuckert read the charges against Reema Bajaj, 25, of the 100 block of Penny Lane in Sycamore. She has been indicted on charges of prostitution within 1,000 feet of a school, a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison, and two counts of prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor...

Governor Walker, GOP sue Wisconsin elections and ethics agency over recall effort

2011-12-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

By Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel

The accountability board has said it's up to challengers to point out problems like those and the board itself cannot automatically toss the signatures for those reasons.

"The plaintiffs are challenging the rules that have been established by statutes and administrative code, and which have been in place since the late 1980s. Since then, these rules have been used in every state and local recall petition effort against incumbents of both parties," accountability board director Kevin Kennedy said.

Read the rest of Mr. Stein article by clicking on the following: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/assembly-leader-wants-to-replace-state-elections-agency-5u3f2or-135669843.html

BCJ Reports on Maple Crest testimony at County Finance Committee

2011-12-15T17:06:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from the Boone County Journal for December 16, 2011 available free of cost at merchants around the county or on-line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2011/Boone-County-News-12-16-11.pdf#page=1

Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

Mayor Gaulrapp being sued over use of photo without permission of copyright holder

2011-12-15T02:33:00.001-08:00

See this story online at: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=572122

Should elected official receive private phone calls/emails during a government meeting

2011-12-15T02:20:00.001-08:00

Well it appears if they do-=- those communications will be subject to FOIA disclosure.

Boone County Treasurer’s Future Candidacy “may” be in question

2011-12-13T06:22:00.001-08:00

The following is taken from the Rockford Register Star for November 13, 2011, page 6A. It appears that Mr. Newport may have some problems with the Illinois Board of Elections. Perhaps the fine has been paid but who really knows. But if it is not taken care before the next primary for his office—2014—he cannot run.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

BCJ: Ad for Servicemen

2011-12-08T20:50:00.001-08:00

BCJ: Change at Maple Crest

2011-12-08T20:39:00.001-08:00

The following article is from December 9, 2011 Boone County Journal which is available free of cost at many county merchants or on line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2011/Boone-County-News-12-09-11.pdf#page=1

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Walmart Heirs Worth Same Amount As Bottom 30 Percent Of Americans In 2007: Analysis

2011-12-08T20:22:00.001-08:00

Occupy Wall Street movement has brought increased focus on the disparity between the top one percent of earners and everyone else in the United States. But one American family paints a particularly stark picture of the country's wealth gap.

The six children of Walmart's founders, Sam and James "Bud" Walton, had the same net worth in 2007 as the entire bottom 30 percent of American earners, according to an analysis from Sylvia

Click on the following for more details: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/walmart-heirs_n_1137492.html

Newt Gingrich's gay sister backs Obama for 2012

2011-12-08T04:30:00.001-08:00

. The gay half-sister of Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has criticised his position on gay rights, saying she will support Barack Obama in the 2012 election.

Candace Gingrich-Jones, a gay rights activist, said in an interview with MSNBC that she and her older half-brother, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, were "mutually respectful" but disagree on gay rights.

"He is definitely on the wrong side of history when it comes to those issues," Gingrich-Jones said.

Air Force dumped ashes of more troops’ remains in Va. landfill than acknowledged

2011-12-08T03:06:00.001-08:00

remains of at least 274 American troops in a Virginia landfill, far more than the military had acknowledged, before halting the secretive practice three years ago, records show.
The landfill dumping was concealed from families who had authorized the military to dispose of the remains in a dignified and respectful manner, Air Force officials said. There are no plans, they said, to alert those families now.
Read more at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/air-force-dumped-ashes-of-more-troops-in-va-landfill-than-acknowledged/2011/12/07/gIQAT8ybdO_story.html

Update: Two Boone County Board members FOIA Health Department concerning the “$16,266 Personnel Survey Results”

2011-12-07T20:24:00.001-08:00

Mr. Mattison and Mr. Freeman received the following letter from the Health Department regarding their information request.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Mr. Mattison and Mr. Freeman are now seeking “input” from the States Attorney, Ms. Michelle Courier. The States Attorney is the legal advisor to elected officials of the county and to the Health Department.

Lawsuit over new Ill. legislative map thrown out

2011-12-07T16:48:00.001-08:00

Judges have thrown out a Republican lawsuit challenging a Democrat-drawn map of new state legislative districts.

A panel of federal judges in Chicago on Wednesday dismissed the suit filed by top Illinois Republicans.

House Republican leader Tom Cross and Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno sued because they contend the Democrat-drawn map is unfair to minority groups and GOP voters.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed the new map into law in June. Drawing a new legislative district map is an exercise the state goes through every 10 years after a census. Democrats were in charge because they control the General Assembly and the governor's office.

Republicans are reviewing their options and whether to appeal. A Republican challenge to the state's new congressional districts map is still pending.

Click on the following for the rest of the story: http://www.nwherald.com/2011/12/07/lawsuit-over-new-ill-legislative-map-thrown-out/avcw96l/

Belvidere Township will be discussing grant to food pantry and possibly weight limits on asphalt truck route

2011-12-07T09:17:00.001-08:00

See highlighted items. If you have questions about an agenda item call your township officials:

AGENDA

BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP

MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD

8200 Fairgrounds Road

December 13, 2011 – 5:00 P.M.

I. Call to Order / Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

IV. Transfers

V. Reports

a. Supervisor’s Report-Eagle Scout Presentation

b. Highway Commissioner’s Report

c. Assessor’s Report

d. Clerk’s Report

e. Trustee’s Report

VI. Unfinished Business

a. Traffic Studies/Stop Signs/Weight Limits

b. Disposal of Equipment

VII. Legal

VIII.New Business

a. Levy Adoption

b. Alpha Maint.Contract

c. Financial Request Forms

d. Belvidere/Boone Co. Food Pantry Request.

IX. Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Bills

X. Public Input

XI. Closed Session

XII. Adjournment

* Please note in order to take final action on an item it must be specified on the posted agenda 48 hours in advance of the meeting

Beginning with the next fiscal year IMRF employees making more than $75,000 must have their wages and benefits posted on government’s website

2011-12-06T22:07:00.001-08:00

This is taken from Boone County board minutes: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/8PAKRM52DF30/$file/salaries%20open%20meetings%20act.pdf

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Boone County’s Board Doc’s now operating

2011-12-06T20:54:00.001-08:00

The public can now view the county board’s committee and board packets

There currently appears to be no permanent”alias” or icon to get to Board Doc. Under “NEWS” you can click the Boone Docs story and see the following screen. Click on “BoardDoc” in the story and you can then continue to Step 2 below.

. While a link on the county’s website is being set up you can reach it currently by following these instructions:

1. Click on the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf

2. The following icon below will occur; click on “enter public site”

3. Look at column on left, click the box of the active meeting you are seeking.

4. Click on “view” agenda

5. In left column—click on agenda item which you wish to view –only if there is document item will a document be available.

6. The main portion of the screen will now have document icons and the document title. Click on the appropriate icon and your selected document will appear.

Sherman, Elmhurst, Silver Cross hospitals add debt for new buildings

2011-12-05T21:00:00.001-08:00

Sherman Hospital in Elgin opened two years ago and its parent system has held talks with several networks, including Oak Brook-based Advocate Health Care. The trend highlights the fight for independence facing Joliet's Silver Cross Hospital, slated to open a $370-million facility in nearby New Lenox next year.

These hospitals combined carry almost $1.3 billion in long-term debt, most of it incurred to finance glitzy new buildings. Even as the boom began, the health care industry was changing: Patients who once filled hospital beds are visiting out-patient clinics or primary care physicians instead. Health insurance companies and Medicare continue to cut reimbursement rates while the costs to adapt to the federal overhaul of health care reform mount.

Tribune Ratings for Belvidere Nursing Homes

2011-12-03T20:53:00.001-08:00

As many of you know the Kensington Group which operates both Maple Crest and Northwoods Nursing Homes in Belvidere is selling their local holdings to NuCare Service Corporation. The grounds and building of Maple Crest are owned by Boone County and the county board is being asked to transfer the lease to NuCare.

In 2009 the Chicago Tribune provide a study of nursing homes based upon Illinois Public Health and police records. In a previous posting ( http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2011/12/maple-crests-new-owner-manages.html) the Tribune analysis of NuCare nursing homes was provided. As a way of comparison here are the analysis for Maple Crest and Northwoods.

Maple Crest:

SEE AT: http://nursinghomes.apps.chicagotribune.com/nursing-home/maple-crest-care-centre/

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Northwoods

see at: http://nursinghomes.apps.chicagotribune.com/nursing-home/northwoods-care-centre/

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: