Friday, February 28, 2014
Thirteen Workers Exposed to Radiation at New Mexico Waste Dump - NBC News.com
The deep underground waste dump has been shut down since the leak occurred.
The source of the leak has not yet been determined, but the DOE said a plan was in place to go back underground into the waste facility and systematically take readings and observations to determine what specifically happened on Feb. 14.
“Once the source of the contamination is found, we’ll lay out a plan on how to mitigate it,” Franco said.
Higher radiation levels have been detected in the air near the plant, but officials say the readings are not high enough to be considered a public health threat.
Click on the following for more details: Thirteen Workers Exposed to Radiation at New Mexico Waste Dump - NBC News.com
U.S. Senate candidate Jim Oberweis got 11 speeding tickets - chicagotribune.com
By Katherine Skiba and Kim Geiger, Tribune reporters
U.S. Senate candidate Jim Oberweis, who cites his successful push to raise Illinois' speed limit as the top accomplishment of his first year as a state lawmaker, has been ticketed for speeding 11 times since 1988, according to public records.
Two of the speeding tickets — both for driving at least 20 miles over the limit in a 40 mph zone — were issued in 2012, the year he won a seat in the Illinois Senate.
Also in 2012, he was cited for running a red light in North Aurora and for disobeying a stop sign in Aurora. But the stop sign citation was amended to a violation involving his auto's "signal lamps and signal devices."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Full Page Ad in Journal shows where the Sheriff Department stands in the upcoming primary
The advertisement shown below is from the February 28, 2014 Boone County Journal (http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2014/Boone-County-News-02-28-14.pdf#page=1)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Digital Manufacturing Lab
Yesterday, President Obama officially announced that UI Labs in Illinois has been selected by the Department of Defense to lead a new Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute. This “Digital Lab” will bring the future of American manufacturing to Illinois, create thousands of good paying jobs, improve military readiness and make our economy more competitive.
I first got involved in this project more than a year ago when the President announced in his State of the Union address the creation of three new advanced manufacturing institutes. For several months now, I talked with everyone in the Administration and the Defense the Department who would listen. And they’ve told me how impressive Illinois’ application for the institute was.
UI Labs is bringing together some of the best, most well-respected corporations and academic institutions Illinois has to offer in order to take on this project. Nearly every region of the state will contribute on this project and better yet, nearly every part will have the chance to grow and create jobs because of the unique capabilities of the Digital Lab in Illinois.
In the Quad Cities, regional partners include the Quad Cities Manufacturing Lab, John Deere, Western Illinois University – Engineer Campus and Black Hawk Community College. This new Digital Lab will strengthen the long-term outlook for the Rock Island Arsenal and create new public private partnership opportunities to maintain and expand capacity.
In Southern Illinois, already a home to defense manufacturing at Mid-America Airport, key partners like Southern Illinois University, Boeing, General Dynamics, and Southwestern Illinois College are already working together to improve manufacturing efficiency and processes to create new opportunities for Illinois businesses and workers.
And in Champaign, Illinois, a nondescript building on the University of Illinois’ campus houses the Blue Waters Supercomputer, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. Locating the Digital Lab in Illinois would not have been possible without the unique tools the University of Illinois brings to the table by way of their engineering expertise, business development experience, and the Blue Waters Supercomputer.
This was a bipartisan effort from start to finish. The entire Illinois Congressional Delegation – including my Senate colleague Mark Kirk – put their party coats on the hooks by the door and came inside and said, “let’s do this together.” And we did. I am proud of our effort, and look forward to working together with UI Labs and their partners to begin building this new Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute.
Stay Informed
Stay informed on what I am doing for Illinois and what is happening in Congress by visiting my website. If you have a question, a comment, or are in need of assistance, please contact my office at one of the phone numbers below or send me an email.
Office phone numbers:
Washington, DC: (202) 224-2152
Chicago: (312) 353-4952
Springfield: (217) 492-4062
Carbondale: (618) 351-1122
Rock Island: (309) 786-5173
Rock River Valley leaders unaware of video gaming machine installation - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
By Jennifer Wheeler
Rockford Register Star
Belvidere leaders said they were kept in the dark last fall until the Illinois Gaming Board's monthly report was released, listing numerous local businesses with live terminals. That's when leaders determined the stores operating these machines had not obtained the necessary local permits or paid the required licensing fees."It didn't come on our radar until we got the revenue," Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain said.He said he wasn't aware a single video gaming machine had been turned on until his office received it's local share of September revenue from the video gaming machines - totaling $61.35.
Boone County sheriff candidates face off in question-and-answer session - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
By Susan Vela
Rockford Register Star
Vying to become Boone County's top law enforcer, Republican sheriff candidates Phil Beu and Dave Ernest distinguished themselves Tuesday at an hour-long question-and-answer session before nearly 100 audience members.Beu, 54, spent 32 years with the sheriff's office, holding various positions including master sergeant/lieutenant of operations. His duties also once included hiring for the agency now employing nearly 40 deputies, which he said gave him knowledge of its strengths and weaknesses."When you see patrol cars, that's a deterrent," he said, of the importance of officers out in the community.Ernest, 50, is the deputy chief of the Belvidere Police Department."I love that department. And I love that city," he said, highlighting his experience fighting gang activity and his philosophy about working with the community.
Bus service expansion in Roscoe Township up to residents - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
SMTD operates under the direction of the Rockford Mass Transit District, which oversees the housing, operation and staffing of the SMTD buses. The non-profit transportation service was launched in February 2008 and already provides service to residents in South Beloit, Roscoe, Rockton and Rockton Township. The service does not run on fixed routes but is a dial-up, door-to-door service. Roscoe Township's 30 square miles include parts of South Beloit and most of Roscoe."This is not a question of increased taxes, it is a question of 'What do the people want?' and will the board heed the decision of the people," said SMTD Executive Director Sharon Hecox.The initial annual cost to expand service to the township is estimated at $3,000, a figure Hecox said that could go up or down based on usage by township residents. Hecox said the township may already have the funds needed to support the service.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Budget cuts to slash U.S. Army to smallest since before World War Two - Yahoo Finance
The department plans to reduce the size of the Army to between 440,000 and 450,000 soldiers, he said. The Army is currently about 520,000 soldiers and had been planning to draw down to about 490,000 in the coming year.
A reduction to 450,000 would be the Army's smallest size since 1940 - before the United States entered World War Two - when it had a troop strength of 267,767, according to Army figures. The Army's previous post-World War Two low was 479,426 in 1999.
Click on the following for more details: Budget cuts to slash U.S. Army to smallest since before World War Two - Yahoo Finance
Community Action Agency 2014 Scholarship Available
February 21, 2014
Phone: 815-987-5711
E-mail: owen.carter@rockfordil.gov
Community Action Agency
2014 Scholarship Applications Available
ROCKFORD – Applications are now available for the 2014 Scholarship Program sponsored by the City of Rockford Human Services Department, A Community Action Agency. Applicants must have household income below 125% of the federal poverty level, reside in Winnebago or Boone County, and plan on attending a post secondary accredited school or training program located in the state of Illinois in the fall of 2014. There is no age requirement. The average scholarship award is $1,000 with multiple awards available. The financial assistance is paid directly to the institution for direct costs of tuition and textbooks.
Applications, which include more detailed eligibility information, are available on the City of Rockford website at www.rockfordil.gov/human-services.aspx under Community and Neighborhood Programs/Community Action tab, or at the office of the City of Rockford Human Services Department, at 555 N. Court St., Suite 301. Completed applications and supporting documents must be received at this office no later than 4:00pm, Friday, March 28th, 2014. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
The scholarships are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Community Services Block Grant.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Number of lost state computers nears 500
KURT ERICKSON JG-TC Springfield Bureau
The number of computers lost by state agencies in the past two years is nearing the 500 mark, according to a newly released report.
In a review of financial records covering the two fiscal years, Auditor General Bill Holland found the governor's office had lost or misplaced seven pieces of computer equipment, including some equipment containing data that may not have been encrypted.
That comes on top of earlier reports by the auditor general showing Southern Illinois University and the Illinois Department of Corrections are unable to account for a total of about 490 computers.
In his report on the governor's office, Holland warned the lost computers could result in a data breach.
"Failure to follow up on missing computer equipment increases the risks associated with the potential exposure of confidential information," he noted in the report released Thursday.
Officials within Gov. Pat Quinn's office told Holland they were aware of the whereabouts of one of the computers.
But the rest of the equipment was apparently misplaced before Quinn took office.
Quinn spokesman Dave Blanchette said the computer equipment dated to the era of former Gov. George Ryan and was used by staff members through much of the administration of now-imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Blanchette said the items were wiped clean of all data before being taken to a warehouse in 2008.
But, he said, "The items could not be found during an inventory three years later by the governor's office."
ABOVE STORY IS FROM: Number of lost state computers nears 500
Friday, February 21, 2014
Belvidere Daily Republican: Events
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
Rivers Edge Recreation Center's "Girls Night Out Pajama Party" Ages 6-12 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come in your comfy pajamas and bring your pillow, sleeping bag & stuffed animal too! Enjoy a fun treat, make new friends, play slumber party games, and bring home a craft. For more information and registration call (815) 547-5711.
Cherry Valley Library will be holding their second annual Mini-Golf at the Cherry Valley Library 755 E. State Street Cherry Valley Feb. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Feb. 23 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. For more information or to reserve T-time call 815-332-5161. They are also looking for volunteers for the event, ages 16 and older for 2 hour shifts each day. If you would like to be a volunteer please call ASAP 815-332-5161.
TUESDAY, FEB. 25
Meet and Greet for Boone County Sheriff’s Candidates Dave Ernest and Phil Beu.
7:00 PM at Candlewick Recreation Center, 1812 Candlewick Dr. SE.
Poplar Grove. This will be a question and answer session.Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Keen Age Center, is offering a Rules of the Road Review Course for all citizens in the Belvidere area, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Dr., Belvidere. The course is free to anyone who wishes to attend.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26
Belvidere McDonalds presents The Second City Comedy Group at 7:30 p.m. at the Belvidere High School Performing Arts Center, 1500 East Ave.. Tickets can be purchased at the door and McDonalds or via phone at 815-544-5454.
THURSDAY, FEB. 27
Boone County's got Talent Audition from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Building Complex of Boone County. For more information please call or Email Dan Holmes, Artistic Director, at
815-547-4558 or dholmes@district100.com.
Citizens of Belvidere Ward 1 are invited to an informal meeting with Mayor Mike, Alderman Clinton Morris and Clayton Stevens, Police Chief Jan Noble, Fire Chief Dave Worrell, and the Public Works Director Brent Anderson in the City Council Chambers from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
MONDAY, MAR. 3
YWCA Leader Luncheon at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Giovanni's Convention Center in Rockford. For information call Tiffany at 815-316-6123.
TUESDAY, MAR. 4
Boone County's got Talent Audition from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Building Complex of Boone County. For more information please call or Email Dan Holmes, Artistic Director, at
815-547-4558 or dholmes@district100.com.
THURSDAY, MAR. 13
Center for Sight and Hearing, Second Annual "Dinning in the Dark" Event at Franchesco's Ristorante 7128 Spring Creek Rd. Rockford at 5:30 p.m.. Tickets and reservations can be made by contacting Lorena Merrick at 815-332-6823.
FRIDAY, MAR. 21
Boone County's got Talent Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Building Complex of Boone County. For more information please call or Email Dan Holmes, Artistic Director, at 815-547-4558 or dholmes@district100.com. Tickets are available at The Belvidere Park District, Alpine Bank Locations or from any Rotary Member, cost is $5.00.
FRIDAY, MAR. 28
Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment, Bryan Adams solo acoustic concert. Tickets go on sale Feb. 7 through Ticketmaster .com or by calling 800-745-3000.
SATURDAY, APR. 12
The Fourth Annual (I dodged a Ball for a Kid) Dodge Ballers tournament at the Jefferson High School, 4145 Samuelson Rd., Rockford at 9:00 a.m.. Proceeds will benefit Children's Safe Harbor. For more information call 815-316-7772 or email cshdodgeballfun@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Shelter Care Ministries' Annual Spring Luncheon, will be held at Prairie Street Brewhouse 200 Prairie St. Rockford, Ill. 61107 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More information to follow.
FRIDAY, MAY 30
Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment, The Legendary B.B. King will perform at the Coronado PAC. Tickets go on sale Feb. 7 at 10:00 a.m. available at the Coronado box office, and all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 815-968-0595. For more information please visit coronadopac.org or call 815-968-2722.
Check for additions by clicking on the following: rvpnews | BDR Events
Sneak peak from Tuesday's BDR: Belvidere comes together to support Water.Org
By Tricia Goecks
Editor, Belvidere Daily Republican
Imagine if you had to walk two hours each way to get access to water. And you had to wait hours in line in order to fill up your containers with water that may not be sanitary. And then you had to trudge back with home with the additional weight of the water containers.
Imagine living without indoor plumbing or even an outhouse, and you were forced to relieve yourself outside in a crowded slum.
Imagine going to a school that does not have a washroom.
Imagine if you only earned the equivalent of $2 per day as a day laborer and lost several days of work per month because you had to spend that time collecting water.
Imagine having a bucket of water with which you use to bathe once a week.
Imagine having to share that same bucket of dirty wash water with others in the community.
This is the stark reality of many of the nearly one billion people who do not have ready access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Half of hospital beds in the world are occupied by patients suffering from diseases associated with lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
In the 1980s, a child under the age of 5 died every 6 seconds due to diarrhea. Through the efforts of organizations like Water.Org, the situation is improving, but it is still dire. More recently, a child under the age of 5 dies every 21 seconds due to diarrhea.
Water.Org is a nonprofit developmental aid organization. It works with local partners to provide aid to developing countries. It helps build community wells. It works with local lenders to provide low cost loans to provide for home water connections and toilets.
This group that provides hope to improve the lives of millions of people in developing countries is the one that DECA is supporting through two fundraisers. On Feb. 26, Second City will perform at the Performing Arts Center at Belvidere High School. On Mar. 1, students from all area schools will showcase their talents at the Community Building with performances, science projects, a book fair, and food sales.
"Our touring company is honored to be able to assist in bringing wider recognition to the ongoing water crisis and the work being done by Water.org and to be part of the effort toward finding solutions that work in ending it," Joseph Ruffner, the Producer for The Second City Touring Companies said.
“This is one of the first times that a student has brought all of the district schools together for an event,” said Maureen Koteles, owner of the Belvidere McDonalds Restaurant and a member of the DECA board of advisors. “It is about awareness for something that we take for granted.”
To learn more about Water.org, go to belviderewaterproject.wordpress.com and watch the video.
Com Ed Partners with Community Action to Offer Extra Help with Electric Bills
Com Ed Partners with Community Action to Offer Extra Help with Electric Bills
In response to concerns regarding higher than usual electric bills during this extreme winter, Com Ed is announcing temporary changes to their Residential Special Hardship program to help their customers in Winnebago and Boone counties manage their bills. Effective immediately, income eligible households applying for assistance under this program will NOT be required to provide proof of additional hardship such as job loss, documented illness, military deployment, or senior or disability hardships. This temporary change will remain in effect until April 1, 2014 unless otherwise notified. Residents applying are not eligible if they have received assistance through the Residential Special Hardship program within the last two years. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) recipients are eligible to apply. The available grant amount remains up to $1,500 per household.
Com Ed partners with the City of Rockford Human Services Department, a Community Action Agency, to provide this service. For application requirements and to make an appointment for assistance, call the City of Rockford Human Services Department at 815-967-6237.
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Thursday, February 20, 2014
Funnel Wind Turbine Generates Jaw-Dropping Power : Discovery News
— the cost could be as low as 1 cent per KWh. For comparison, conventional tower and blade wind power plants cost about 45 to 80 cents per KWh and natural gas plants cost about 2 to 3 cents per KWh.
The company’s Invelox captures wind using wide-mouthed funnels. Inside, passageways turn the wind horizontally and taper it into a narrow space, which naturally accelerates the flow. The higher speed wind is then channeled into a turbine positioned at ground level. According to the company, the system works even if wind speeds are slow at the top. For example, a wind entering at 10 mph is increased to 40 mph by the time it enters the turbine. After passing through the turbine, the wind is exhausted back into the environment at 15mph.
The unit is about 50 percent shorter than traditional wind towers and the turbine blades on the generator are 84 percent smaller — as a result, equipment and maintenance costs are lower.
HOW DOES IT WORK: http://sheerwind.com/technology/how-does-it-work
Scott Walker ex-aide's e-mails: how damaging? - CSMonitor.com
By Linda Feldmann,
The release of 28,000 pages of documents connected with two criminal investigations involving former aides has put Governor Walker in an uncomfortable spot. And it has opened the door to efforts by Democrats, and some in the media, to paint him with the same broad brush as Gov. Chris Christie (R) of New Jersey, who faces legal scrutiny over the misdeeds of aides.
The documents, released Wednesday, showed how, in 2010, aides to then-Milwaukee County Executive Walker worked on his gubernatorial campaign while doing their government jobs, which is against the law. In all, six aides and allies were convicted, including two for doing campaign work on county time. Walker was never a target of investigation and has denied wrongdoing.
Click on the following to read the entire story: Scott Walker ex-aide's e-mails: how damaging? - CSMonitor.com
Rockford near deal to turn Amerock building into $50 million hotel and convention center - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
By Brian Leaf
ROCKFORD - Wisconsin-based Gorman & Co. is close to an agreement that would return the city's first skyscraper to downtown prominence as a $50 million hotel and convention center.A proposed development agreement to renovate the 13-story Ziock building, perhaps better known as the Amerock building, at 416 S. Main St., is expected to go before the Rockford City Council in March."I'm feeling very good about it," Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey said, "but we've had a lot of things to work through. Gorman is an extremely capable firm. They've done a lot of projects of significant magnitude across the country."
… company had done projects in four states and 25 communities, including Milwaukee, where it turned the brew house and mill house at the shuttered Pabst brewery into a 90-room extended-stay hotel, The Brewhouse Inn & Suites.
….The Ziock project involves state and federal tax credits, which will pay for 45 percent of construction costs. The state tax credit program requires the building to be in use by the end of 2016, so the company hopes to proceed quickly.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Belvidere Daily Republican: News in Brief
Comments to be limited at mobile home park meeting
Feb. 16, 2014
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
POPLAR GROVE - The next stop for the proposed 304-unit mobile home park on South Poplar Grove Road will be Feb. 24, before the village's administration committee.
As part of that evening's regular monthly meeting the committee, consisting of three village board members, will consider the two-part recommendation of the planning and zoning commission. During its Feb. 4 meeting, the commission recommended approval of rezoning the 71-acre property from LI, light industrial, to R-5, mixed residential district. But it recommended denial of the requested special use permit, which is needed for the project to happen.
Protocol allows visitors to address the administration committee at the beginning of the meeting. They must fill out a sheet, stating their name, subject, turn it in to the chairman and limit their comments to five minutes.
In this case, committee Chairman Ron Quimby said Feb. 9 that he would ask speakers not to repeat what was said during the P&Z meeting, which was a public hearing on the proposal.
"This is not a public hearing," he said. "It's not a debate or a forum. It's a meeting of the administration committee."
If new information is presented, he said the committee will have to decide whether to refer the issue back to P&Z for further discussion.
Once the public comments portion of the meeting is over, he said those in the audience would not be allowed to make additional statements while the committee is discussing the matter.
Transcripts and minutes will provide committee members with detailed information on what transpired during the P&Z meeting, he said. Beyond that, member Don Bawden was in attendance.
The committee will have three options on Feb. 24: make a recommendation for consideration by the full village board in March; allow the matter to die in committee; or send it back to P&Z for additional discussion.
Pritchard questions delay in state budget BOONE COUNTY - State Rep. Bob Pritchard, R-Sycamore, is asking why Gov. Pat Quinn needs five more weeks to prepare his proposed 2014-15 state budget.
But he answered his own question with the following statement: "It is painfully obvious, however (that) he is afraid to tell voters before the (March 18) primary election how much he needs to cut spending to balance the budget. Or that he wants to continue the current income tax rates."
"We all knew this day was coming, when the income tax (increase) was passed with its provisions to roll back rates," he added.
Pritchard, who represents Boone County in the General Assembly, said if legislators were sincere about lowering the tax rate, the governor should have been trying to reduce spending rather than fighting efforts to manage programs more efficiently; reduce fraud, which has been estimated at over $1 billion; and help those who can to get off government programs.
The governor's Office of Management and Budget and the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability already have their budget estimates for the new year.
"Delaying the budget address and not revealing his fiscal priorities make it even harder on the House appropriations committees, as they draft the budget by May 31," Pritchard said. "Waiting until March 26 (for the governor's budget) delays the entire process, builds expectations in groups for more funding than is available and forces last-minute decisions."
A related consequence, he said, is that school districts across Illinois must announce staff reductions by the end of March due to cuts in state funding and have only a few days to make their decisions.
Of the delay, North Boone Community Unit School District Superintendent Steven Baule said, "it will require that we make deeper than normal reductions in force at the March board meeting. Due to the uncertainty of the state budgeting process and the potential of even greater loss of general state aid and other state funding, North Boone may be looking at making deeper than normal staff reductions at that time."
News in Brief Beverly Materials to seek early renewal of quarry permit
Feb. 13, 2014
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
BELVIDERE - Beverly Materials LLC isn't going to wait until January 2015 to request renewal of its special use permit to mine more than 200 acres at the Plote Quarry off Town Hall Road.
The Belvidere-Boone County Planning Department is working up material for that public hearing, which will be scheduled before the county zoning board of appeals at its March meeting.
Meanwhile, the county health and human service committee, in concert with the county health department, has agreed with a revision to the process for checking water quality, through samples taken from three monitoring wells on the quarry property.
First, Patrick Engineering, which is taking the samples for Beverly Materials, will have the reports professionally certified. That is not currently being done. Second, a county representative may accompany sampling personnel and take a split sample from the one collected by Patrick Engineering. The county then will have its sample sent to a different laboratory for testing. That cost is estimated to be $300, based on $100 for each well. Bill Hatfield, director of environmental health, sent those options and others to the committee at its Feb. 6 meeting.
The precautions are being taken on behalf of residents living near the quarry, who are on well water. They expressed concern about the quality of water through spokesperson Sherry Branson, during a public hearing last year on Beverly's request to extend the special use permit, which should have happened three years ago.
Branson was at the committee meeting and on behalf of residents who live near the quarry thanked members for agreeing to have split water samples, which would be independently tested. Samples are to be taken quarterly. But Hatfield said weather kept Patrick from taking the samples in December and January.
"The ideal situation is No. 3," said committee member Marion Thornberry, referring to the split samples. He agreed that Beverly Materials should pay for to have the county's samples tested.
Hatfield also provided other options, which the committee rejected. "I don't like (options) four or five because the county would be spending money," member Kenny Freeman said.
Board of Health re-elects officers BELVIDERE -
The Boone County Board of Health has re-elected officers for the coming year. Kent Hess, M.D., returns as president; Jim Cox as vice president; Allen Sisson as treasurer; and Kathleen Taylor as secretary. The votes, all unanimous, came during the board's Feb. 3 meeting, with seven of the 11 members present.
Dr. Hess' current term expires in 2016; Cox and Sisson in 2015; and Taylor in 2016. Board members are appointed by the county board chairman, with the advice and consent of the full county board.
The election had been on the board agenda for several months, but continuously was postponed for various reasons. "I hate to keep putting this off, but we barely have a quorum," Sisson said. A quorum is needed to do business and it takes six of the 11 board members.
Board member Dean May pointed out that only seven members were present while Taylor added, "Those who regularly attend are here."
The board of health oversees the county health department.
North Boone teachers one step closer to strike
Feb.13, 2014
By Tricia Goecks
Editor
POPLAR GROVE – The Poplar Grove United Methodist Church was the site of a rally of nearly 100 North Boone educators as they move closer to a strike. On Feb. 6, the North Boone Educators Association (NBEA) voted with a 97 percent margin to authorize the teacher’s union to set a strike date.
The union has been negotiating a contract with the North Boone Community Unit School District #200 school board since June. The parties declared an impasse and are currently working with a federal mediator to resolve the remaining outstanding issues.
The three major sticking points are merit pay, two tier salary schedule and the union’s demand for “just cause” discipline.
The NBEA’s talking points describe the merit pay issue as “based on administrative whims creates a toxic work environment, stifling creativity and teamwork and ultimately undermining student achievement.”
According to the Board of Education proposal, teachers who receive a needs improvement or unsatisfactory would not receive automatic step increases. According to the Board proposal, similar scales have been put in place in other area districts.
According to the Board of Education’s proposal, it “retains the intent of recent Illinois laws related to the ability to reduce the least proficient teachers as opposed to the newest teachers when reducing overall staffing.”
“We are concerned because the principal will rate you. It lends itself to be subjective,” said Poplar Grove Elementary School fourth grade teacher Heather True.” You wonder if it would be in their best interest for someone who is newer and paid less to give them better ratings.”
The teachers are rated according to the Charlotte Danielson framework for teaching that divides teacher responsibility into four categories: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. Teachers expressed concern that their job performance was rated on attendance of after school activities.
“The two tier salary pay scale pits people against each other. It is not something that builds the school district up,” said True.
The NBEA talking points asked “why would new teachers come to North Boone knowing they will permanently make less than their peers? Why would we alienate young teachers who represent our District’s future?”
The NBEA’s talking points on just cause state “when we feel we have been treated unfairly, disciplined without a good reason or ‘just cause,’ we want the right to challenge that decision.”
“We know there are some staff who have tenure and seniority, it would be cost effective for them to find fault,” added True.
“If someone should bring up a charge against a teacher, there would be a panel, the administrators, the union, to investigate to find out if it happened and if there were a reason to reprimand the teacher or let them go,” said True. “They want to eliminate that, and we would not be afforded that protection.”
According to the BOE’s proposal, it is willing to add just cause language in the event of a discipline issue that would result in a teacher’s termination. The BOE proposal states that teachers are currently protected under state law.
As of press time, the results of Monday night’s mediation were not determined.
“It has been a long process. Hopefully the positive that will come out is everyone can come back with something workable and we’ll go forward and be renewed,” said True. “I hope.”
Check on these and other BDR stories by clicking on the following: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
Monday, February 17, 2014
Bloomington’s Alderman Stearns alleges Open Meetings Act violation
By Rachel Wells | rwells@pantagraph.com
BLOOMINGTON — A city alderman is alleging her fellow City Council members violated state transparency laws by discussing public business — including major departmental changes — behind closed doors.
Ward 4 Alderman Judy Stearns on Dec. 6 filed a request for review with the Illinois attorney general’s public access counselor, which has since asked for more information from the city.
She alleged the council during a Nov. 15 closed session discussed issues not exempt from the state’s Open Meetings Act, including broad discussions of general hiring practices, a sought-after “culture change” and “why it is critical that the Council be totally united on the changes to be made, including the comment by our City Manager (David Hales) that a 5 to 4 vote is not acceptable.”
A special thanks to City Barbs (http://www.citybarbs.com/) for this item.
Fiat's access to Chrysler funds curbed by dividend cap, debt covenants - Yahoo Finance
Analysts have raised concerns about Fiat's growing debt pile and its ability to fund a strategy that will shift the automaker's focus to its upscale Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands from an over-reliance on low-margin mass-market models.
Responding to a request for clarification from market regulator Consob, Fiat said that beyond the cap, dividend payments were also subject to the condition that Chrysler's liquidity exceeds a threshold of $3 billion. It said Chrysler's liquidity totalled $14.7 billion at the end of 2013.
Fiat also said intercompany financing was limited by covenants that require deals to be approved by a majority of "disinterested" members of the Chrysler board of directors.
Fiat said it had enough resources to fund its activities, however.
"On the basis of the group's available liquidity, credit lines in place and available for investment in industrial activities, in addition to the ability to access capital markets ... the group believes its capital resources are more than adequate to meet the projected funding requirements," it said in a statement.
Applications for Absentee Ballots Now Available | Boone County, Illinois
Applications for Absentee Ballots Now Available
Home › Applications for Absentee Ballots Now Available
Mary S. Steurer, Boone County Clerk, announced that her office is now taking applications for the mailing of absentee ballots for the March 18, 2014, Primary Election. Applications will be accepted from February 6, 2014 through March 13, 2014.
If you would like to receive an application you may do so in person, by phone or by clicking on the link below.
Please complete and mail to the Boone County Clerk, 1212 Logan Ave, Suite 103, Belvidere, IL 61008. Remember in a primary election you must indicate whether you'd like a Republican, Democratic or Non-partisan ballot. The non-partisan ballot will only have any public question(s) that are in your precinct. If you have any questions, please call us at 815-544-3103.
Applications for Absentee Ballots Now Available | Boone County, Illinois
The application form is available on line at: http://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/Application%20for%20Absentee%20Ballot%203-18-14.pdf
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Jet stream shift could prompt harsher winters: scientists - Yahoo News
But over the past two decades the jet stream has weakened. This is something we can measure," she said.
As a result, instead of circling the earth in the far north, the jet stream has begun to meander, like a river heading off course.
This has brought chilly Arctic weather further south than normal, and warmer temperatures up north. Perhaps most disturbingly, it remains in place for longer periods of time.
…"There is evidence for and against it," said Mark Serreze, director of the National Snowland Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado.
Read the entire article: Jet stream shift could prompt harsher winters: scientists - Yahoo News
Belvidere Fire Department asks for help
The above is taken from the McHenry County News: http://media.wix.com/ugd/eb7e9c_8e80f7b38c134e4c859c3d2ce6a80e51.pdf
Friday, February 14, 2014
Letter from Rockford Register Star Publisher Josh Trust - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
We want to make you aware that Newcastle Investment Corp. announced today that the spin-off of New Media Investment Group Inc. was successfully completed.The Rockford Register Star's parent company, GateHouse Media, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of this newly public company, New Media Investment Group. We will continue to be an integral part of the community, as we have been for so many years. And we will continue to bring the community rich, local news and information and remain the center of the conversation among businesses and citizens.In addition to our newspaper, New Media Investment Group's portfolio consists of 435 community publications, over 350 related websites and a digital marketing services business. New Media Investment Group is the largest publisher of locally based print and online media in the U.S., as measured by the number of daily publications serving 338 markets across 24 states.Starting today, New Media Investment Group will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NEWM."You can learn more about New Media Investment Group at newmediainv.com.- Josh Trust, publisher
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Caledonia Dog Breeder under Fire from Animal Activists - MyStateline.com - Powered by WTVO-TV and WQRF-TV
A Boone County dog breeder is under fire from animal activists. ….
the breeder is still licensed by the state and county. So as the women left they sought the support of Angels 4 Animals.
Angels 4 Animals is a group that will protest at Kim Lettier's next court appearance. She’s charged with aggravated battery after a Boone County Animal Control employee visited her business.
"She’s doing this out of her garage. The neighbors had no idea of the horrors that are going on inside the garage. Puppy mills are in your backyard and you might not even know it," said Angels 4 Animals Director Kathy Mehalko.
Their mission is to stop puppy mills like Kim Lettier's. And bring awareness to the public and politicians about this growing issue.
Kim Lettier will appear in court on Friday, February 21st at the Boone County Courthouse.
Here is the criminal charges and history from: http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_history.jsp?court=IL004015J&ocl=IL004015J,2014CF25,IL004015JL2014CF25D1
UPDATED: 3-6--2014—arraignment set for 3-11-2014
Illinois police object to fraction of gun-carry permits - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
CHICAGO - Police across Illinois have objected to just 236 applications from people seeking to carry concealed weapons out of 33,631 submitted to the state police.The Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday that a state licensing board will consider objections within 30 days of a police department filing one. The board has a former judge, two former prosecutors, three former FBI agents and a psychiatry professor.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
NRC approves uprates for Braidwood, Byron nuclear power plants - Pennenergy
February 10, 2014
Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a request by Exelon Generation Company, LLC (NYSE: EXC) to increase the generating capacity of the Braidwood and Byron nuclear power stations by 1.63 percent for each reactor.
The NRC staff determined that Exelon could safely increase the reactors’ output primarily through more accurate means of measuring feedwater flow. NRC staff also reviewed the company’s evaluations showing the plant’s design can accommodate the increased power level.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Meet Belvidere's top leaders-- Thursday February 27, 2014
Belvidere officials are welcoming residents to stop by City Hall Feb. 27 to share concerns and ideas with top leaders.
Residents living in Ward 1 can chat with Mayor Mike Chamberlain, Ald. Clint Morris, Ald. Clayton Stevens, Police Chief Jan Noble, Fire Chief Dave Worrell and Public Works Director Brent Anderson, a release said. The event will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 401 Whitney Blvd. in the city council chambers.
Meet Belvidere's top leaders - Blogs - Rockford Register Star
North Suburban Library District referendum to ask voters for upkeep funding -
By Jennifer Wheeler
Rockford Register Star
Posted Feb. 6, 2014 @ 9:00 am
Rockford Register Star
Posted Feb. 6, 2014 @ 9:00 am
Referendum wording
"Shall the extension limitation under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the North Suburban Public Library District, Winnebago and Boone Counties, Illinois, be increased from the lesser of 5% or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index over the prior levy year to 20.5% for the 2014 levy year?"
»
Residents who own homes valued at $100,000 would continue to pay about $74.20 in taxes to the library district. If the referendum was voted down it would only decrease on part of the library tax bill - for a homeowner with the $100,000 house it would mean a drop of $14.64, down to $59.56.
Read more: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20140206/News/140209644#ixzz2sqv4jG2U
NDK Crystal Inc. Explosion with Offsite Fatality - Investigations | the U.S. Chemical Safety Board
Everyone should view this video to answer your questions about NDK in Belvidere.
NDK Crystal Inc. Explosion with Offsite Fatality - Investigations | the U.S. Chemical Safety Board
NDK Investigations by U.S. Chemical Safety Board
The original site of this video is: http://www.csb.gov/ndk-crystal-inc-explosion-with-offsite-fatality-/
NDK Crystal Inc. Explosion with Offsite Fatality (8 Recommendations)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (1 Recommendations)
Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013
2010-04-I-IL-1
Revise the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code to include specific material thickness limitations for the design of pressure-containing components to ensure proper heat treatment and avoid environmentally induced damage mechanisms. Clarify required vessel wall thickness limitations for SA-723 steel in the following code sections:
a) ASME BPVC Section II, Part A, Material Requirements
b) ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division III, Article KM-400, Material Design Data
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013
2010-4-I-IL-3
Prohibit the use of the existing pressure vessels at the NDK facility for crystal growing operations.
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
2010-4-I-IL-4
Develop and implement state requirements and procedures to ensure the pressure vessel approval process accurately identifies vessels that may be subject to corrosion or similar deterioration mechanisms, and ensure regular inspections in accordance with these state requirements.
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (1 Recommendations)
Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013
2010-4-I-IL-2
Communicate the findings of this Case Study to pressure vessel inspectors in all 50 states. At a minimum:
a. Send the information (such as an article summarizing the investigation) to each member who is a pressure vessel inspector; and,
b. Post a direct link to the NDK Case Study on the National Board’s webpage.
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
NDK Crystal, Inc. (4 Recommendations)
Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013
2010-4-I-IL-5
For the design and operation of any new NDK Crystal facility using a hydrothermal or equivalent crystal growing process, ensure that the facility uses a process that is rigorously demonstrated to be inherently safer than the existing process (for example through using lower temperatures and pressures, and/or less corrosive conditions).
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
2010-4-I-IL-6
Implement a program to ensure the ongoing integrity of any coating used on the new process vessels. Employ an expert (e.g., a coatings expert certified by NACE International (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)) to design the program.
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
2010-4-I-IL-7
Implement an annual inspection and corrective action program to ensure vessels remain resistant to environmentally induced damage mechanisms based on the inspection guidelines set forth in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code.
Status: O-ARE/AR
Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.
2010-4-I-IL-8
Commission a facility siting study of the NDK Crystal facility by an independent consultant. Identify all vessel failure scenarios prior to restarting the crystal growing process. The siting study should include the consequences, necessary preventive measures, and emergency planning and response programs relevant to each failure scenario for all surrounding points of concern. Provide a copy of this study to the City of Belvidere Building and Zoning Department and the Illinois Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Division.
To further view these recommendations go to: http://www.csb.gov/recommendations/?pg=2
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Suzlon Group could take over Big Sky wind farm in Illinois -- Crain's Chicago Business
Suzlon sued Big Sky Wind LLC, the entity owned by Edison Mission, in 2012 seeking early repayment of the loan, according to an SEC filing by Edison Mission. Big Sky countersued, and the litigation still is pending. But that lawsuit quickly was overshadowed by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition filed in December 2012 by Edison Mission.
“If a restructuring of the loan or a sale effort is unsuccessful, Suzlon may foreclose on the project resulting in a write-off of the entire investment in the project,” the Edison Mission filing states.
As of Sept. 30, Edison Mission's investment in Big Sky totaled $451 million in assets and $369 million in liabilities, according to the filing.
Ms. Denning said she's confident Big Sky will continue operating, even if Suzlon takes ownership in lieu of collecting the $200 million-plus it's owed.
“It's a great wind farm,” she said. "It operates super well.”
Read the entire story by clicking on the following: Suzlon Group could take over Big Sky wind farm in Illinois - Utilities News - Crain's Chicago Business
Friday, February 7, 2014
The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News
Love is in the air at BCCA buffet dinner
Feb. 6, 2014
By Tricia Goecks
Editor
BELVIDERE – Love will be in the air at the Boone County Council of Aging (BCCA) buffet dinner on Feb. 11 at the Moose #295 lodge. In addition to raising funds for the BBCA/Keen Age Center’s operations, it helps bring awareness to the BCCA’s activities and mission.
Click on the following to read more: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
School District 200 faces $922,165 deficit in 2014-15
Feb. 5, 2014
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
POPLAR GROVE - The financial forecast was for a new fiscal year but the projection was gloomy, as has been true in past years.
Greg Kubitz, senior financial advisor for PMA Financial Network, showed the North Boone Community Unit School District 200 board of education a number of graphics and charts, and made numerous assumptions during the Jan. 27 meeting.
Click on the following to read more: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
Food pantry to host wine tasting party
Jan. 30, 2014
By Tricia Goecks
Editor
BELVIDERE – The Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry will host its fourth annual Wine Tasting Party on Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the VFW in Belvidere. “We want everyone to join us for a fun food networking and beer and wine sampling,” said Linda Clark, executive director of the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry.
“One of their bigger events is the wine tasting. We are very supportive because the money goes back to the food pantry,” said VFW commander Greg Kelm. “They work so hard to see that the people of Boone County have food and items that they need at no cost to them.
“We are very happy to have her at the VFW Club for this event.”
Culvers assistant manager accused of identity theft
Jan. 29, 2014
By Tricia Goecks
Editor
BELVIDERE – Belvidere police detectives arrested Curtis Peck, 28, and charged him with two counts of identity theft on Jan. 21. Peck worked as the assistant manager at the Belvidere Culvers Restaurant.
Belvidere police saw an increase in local identity thefts between December and January. Several victims reported local unauthorized expenditures on their credit or debit cards. Detectives investigating the cases followed up on several leads which were provided by victims and local merchants. As a result, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1800 block of Crestwood Ave. in Rockford. Police seized computer equipment, electronic credit card writer, blank credit cards, receipts, drug paraphernalia, cannabis and a vehicle.
Investigators believe that Peck obtained credit and debit card numbers while he worked the drive-thru window. Although the investigation is ongoing, police believe the thefts of the credit and debit card numbers occurred over the past 60 days
Click on the following to read more: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
Culvers assistant manager accused of identity theft
Jan. 29, 2014
By Tricia Goecks
Editor
BELVIDERE – Belvidere police detectives arrested Curtis Peck, 28, and charged him with two counts of identity theft on Jan. 21. Peck worked as the assistant manager at the Belvidere Culvers Restaurant.
Belvidere police saw an increase in local identity thefts between December and January. Several victims reported local unauthorized expenditures on their credit or debit cards. Detectives investigating the cases followed up on several leads which were provided by victims and local merchants. As a result, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1800 block of Crestwood Ave. in Rockford. Police seized computer equipment, electronic credit card writer, blank credit cards, receipts, drug paraphernalia, cannabis and a vehicle.
Investigators believe that Peck obtained credit and debit card numbers while he worked the drive-thru window. Although the investigation is ongoing, police believe the thefts of the credit and
Click on the following to read more: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
Belvidere hires new financial officer - Blogs - Rockford Register Star
By Jennifer Wheeler
Becky Tobin will become Belvidere's next budget and finance officer.
The Belvidere City Council voted to hire her on Monday at a salary of $69,000. She currently works as the assistant county administrator and will start with the city on March 3.
"I am very excited for this new opportunity with the city of Belvidere," Tobin said.
"I look forward to working with Mayor (Mike) Chamberlain, the aldermen and the city staff. Everyone at both the city and the county have been so supportive and kind as I prepare for this new chapter in my career."
Tobin replaces Pat Chamberlin, who left last year to become the financial director for Sugar Grove, Ill.
Click on the following for more details: Belvidere hires new financial officer - Blogs - Rockford Register Star
BCJ: Tobin Moves from County to City
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
The above is taken from page 1 & 4 of the Boone County Journal which is available free of cost at merchants across the area and on-line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2014/Boone-County-News-02-07-14.pdf
Surprise! As many as 50 nuclear bombs have gone missing — some in populated areas | Applesauce
Between the late 1950s and mid-1960s, the most explosive part of the Cold War, US bombers carrying atom bombs were in the air around the clock, 365 days a year. Their four main routes passed over Greenland, Spain and the Mediterranean, Japan and Alaska. Only when the bombers became capable of flying across the Atlantic or Pacific on one tank did the frequency of accidents diminish.
(Snip)
The US military’s rather nonchalant handling of its most dangerous toys was not limited to foreign countries. In fact, seven of the 11 nuclear warheads that are officially missing were lost at home in the USA. On Feb. 5, 1958, bomber pilot Howard Richardson had to jettison the hydrogen bomb he was carrying after colliding with a fighter jet. The bomb then disappeared in the shallow waters of Wassaw Sound, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Savannah, Georgia, a city of 100,000 people. Richardson, an experienced pilot, barely managed to land his aircraft at nearby Hunter Army Airfield.
The crew of a B-52 that exploded on Jan. 24, 1961 as a result of a defective fuel line was less fortunate. Before the aircraft broke apart, the men managed to eject their dangerous cargo. One of the two hydrogen bombs was parachuted safely into a tree, while the other one went down in a swamp near the small city of Goldsboro, North Carolina, where it plunged an estimated 50 meters (165 feet) into the marshy ground — and where it still lies today. The crash site remains a restricted military zone.
Read more by clicking on the following: Surprise! As many as 50 nuclear bombs have gone missing — some in populated areas | Applesauce
Orth Road bridge construction begins -
By Jennifer Wheeler
Feb. 4, 2014 1:13 p.m.
Workers started construction Monday on a bridge in Boone County that has been closed since February 2012.
Officials were forced to close Orth Road bridge once they discovered a 1-by-3-foot hole in the structure. Moisture and salt slipped through the asphalt to the concrete and ate away at the material.
Crews are currently preparing the site, installing traffic controls, removing trees and removing the structure, according to a press released emailed today. New concrete will be placed on the structure once conditions allow, likely in late April or May.
Construction should be completed in June.
Click on the following for more details: Orth Road bridge construction begins - Blogs - Rockford Register Star
Thursday, February 6, 2014
MIG/DEWANE Landfill ILD980497788, NPL Fact Sheet | Region 5 Superfund | US EPA
MIG/DEWANE LANDFILL
EPA ID# ILD980497788
Last Updated: September, 2013Site Description
The 50-acre MIG/DeWane Landfill site is located about one-fifth mile east of the city of Belvidere and one-half mile north of U.S. Business Route 20 in Boone County, Illinois. Approximately 1,500 people live within one mile of the site.
The MIG/DeWane site consists of a 47-acre landfill and leachate impoundment system that was operated by various entities from 1969 until its abandonment in 1988 by M.I.G. Investments, the final operator. The landfill was a permitted municipal landfill and during its operating period it received household and municipal wastes as well as industrial wastes including paint sludge, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), asbestos, and liquids containing heavy metals. In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had inspected the site and determined that the landfill waste and leachate were contaminating site soil, groundwater, and sediment, and that the potential existed for surface water contamination and direct exposure of humans to contaminants.After the landfill was closed in 1988, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) inspected the site in 1989 and found that the site was not properly closed and capped, noting that there was exposed waste and a 5 to 10-acre depression in the middle of the landfill. The depression collected water that drained into the landfill and resulted in over one hundred leachate seeps with some leachate flowing off site towards the nearby Kishwaukee River. Illinois EPA's inspection also determined that the leachate surface impoundment was about to overflow and/or breach, which would potentially cause serious environmental impacts to the river. In 1989 and 1990, Illinois EPA and EPA, in two separate emergency actions, removed approximately 155,000 gallons of leachate from the site.
EPA placed the MIG/DeWane Landfill site on the National Priorities List in 1990.
Site Responsibility
The MIG/DeWane Landfill site is being addressed through potentially responsible party (PRP) actions under state and federal oversight.
Threats and Contaminants
Sampling results from the MIG/DeWane Landfill site indicate that soil, groundwater, sediment, leachate, and landfill gas are contaminated by VOCs and semi-VOCs, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and inorganic (metal) compounds. A plume of groundwater contaminated with VOCs, semi-VOCs, and inorganic chemicals was found to be moving towards the Kishwaukee River. Exposure to contaminants by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with contaminated soil or sediment could result in human health effects.Cleanup Progress
In 1989 and 1990, Illinois EPA and EPA, in two separate emergency actions, removed approximately 155,000 gallons of leachate from the site.
EPA and Illinois EPA issued an Administrative Order on Consent in March 1991 to a number of potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to conduct interim cleanup actions at the site, including the installation of an interim cap over the landfill, and to conduct a remedial investigation (RI) to determine the nature and extent of contamination. The order required the PRPs to stabilize the site prior to the start of the RI. The PRPs conducted several interim response actions from June 1991 to February 1993, including the installation of a security fence around the entire site, the removal of 50,000 gallons of leachate-contaminated ponded water from the top of the landfill and 240,000 additional gallons of leachate from the surface impoundment, the excavation of 3,500 cubic yards of off-site leachate-contaminated soil, the placement of the interim cap, the placement of topsoil and seeding, and the construction of temporary erosion controls both on and off site.
Early in 1999, landfill gas monitoring wells were installed along the western boundary of the soil borrow pit property west of and adjacent to the landfill. These monitoring wells detected landfill gas (methane) in the soil borrow pit and elevated levels of landfill gas were also detected in a few homes in the Wycliffe Estates subdivision west of the landfill. In April-May 1999, gas extraction wells, an interceptor trench, and a flare system were installed and activated to remove landfill gas that was moving off the site. The system significantly reduced landfill gas levels within a month's time. No landfill gas has been detected in the subdivision since.
After the RI was completed, EPA signed a Record of Decision (ROD) on March 31, 2000 to document its selected long term remedial action for the site that included the construction of a multilayer cap, the active and passive management of landfill gas, the installation of a localized leachate collection system, the removal of leachate and sediments from the leachate surface impoundment, and monitored natural attenuation of groundwater.
In December 2000, an addendum to the baseline risk assessment for methane and VOCs migrating from the site was completed. Using the collected groundwater and soil gas data, the Risk Assessment Addendum determined that the health risks were significantly lower than those presented in the March 1997 Baseline Risk Assessment and were less than EPA risk thresholds. As long as methane and VOCs in both groundwater and soil gas concentrations remain less than or equal to the levels measured in late 1999 to mid-2000, the indoor air pathway does not present an exposure pathway of concern. Overall, the methane gas levels have continued to decline from 2000 through 2003. Most gas levels have reached non-detectable concentrations.
The PRPs signed a consent decree to conduct the cleanup actions in January 2006. The PRPs completed part of the Remedial Design work plan, but are waiting for comments from Illinois EPA before continuing the Remedial Design work.
Illinois EPA evaluated new information, including existing landfill cover thickness measurements, leachate levels, and groundwater data, that had been collected since the ROD was issued and then supported making a modification to the ROD remedy, which included making improvements to the existing IRM landfill cover rather than installing the new cover system as described in the ROD. The improvements included placing additional compacted clay cover in areas on the side slopes consistent with the ROD remedy. The improved and graded areas would receive a minimum of six (6) inches of topsoil and be seeded to establish and sustain vegetative growth. No other modifications would be made to the ROD remedy. The changes were documented in an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) that Illinois EPA and EPA signed in August 2013.
The PRPs installed gas wells and vents at the landfill; and conduct periodic groundwater monitoring (sampling) events.
Contacts
Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA
howard caine (caine.howard@epa.gov)
(312) 353-9685
Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
janet pope
(312) 353-0628Aliases
MIG INVESTMENT
BONUS LDFL
DEWANE LDFL (MIG)
The above is taken from: ILD980497788, NPL Fact Sheet | Region 5 Superfund | US EPA
Residents crowd meeting to oppose Poplar Grove mobile home park development -
Associate Planner Gina DelRose said there are concerns about whether the project would disturb wetlands, like the site plans indicate, or how usable the recreational space would be since it would be located in areas that frequently flood.Residents said they are worried about the type of people these mobile home parks would attract to the community.Jim Hursh, who is representing the applicant, and Tim McCarty, project manager, assured community members Tuesday that the wetlands would not be disturbed and signs would be placed on the property notifying residents about these areas.McCarty said all units would be high-end, and if community members were blindfolded and walked inside one of the units, they would not be able to tell the difference between the manufactured homes and other area homes."Nobody in this town would be embarrassed about (the units)," McCarty said.The applicant's reassurances weren't enough to win support of the project from the Planning and Zoning Commission nor staff with the Belvidere-Boone County Planning Department.
New Boone County clinic testing for sexually transmitted infection in teens, young adults - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
The Boone County Health Department opened a new sexually transmitted infection clinic today with the goal of reducing infection rates among teenagers and young adults.The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays at the health department, 1204 Logan Ave. Officials are shuffling staff and resources to run the clinic, and the Illinois Department of Public Health is helping by offering guidance and training, supplies and equipment.People can get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia on a walk-in basis and even if they don't have insurance. The cost is $20 and can be paid by cash, check or credit card, although no one will be denied testing for an inability to pay…..
State law allows for anyone 12 years of age or older to give consent to be tested for an STI.
Read more: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20140206/News/140209630#ixzz2sZNogFeB
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