Written by Bob Balgemann
The new owner, Russell Caldwell of Garden Prairie, is transforming the building into a working letter press museum.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Old Eagle’s Club getting new life as letter press museum | Belvidere Daily Republican
Playgrounds filled with mulch from wooden pallets: Are your kids at risk?
Playgrounds filled with mulch from wooden pallets: Are your kids at risk?
Yes, they are. A quick glance at some science and a few industry facts show how. Let’s take a look.
First, it’s well established that wooden pallets can harbor deadly pathogens and bacteria. Numerous tests on wood pallets across the country, followed by high-profile media reports, clearly show the risks that wood pallets pose to our food supplies.
It is also well documented that wood pallets contain virtual cocktails of toxic chemicals, both through direct application to kill pests and invasive insects and through materials used to make them (not to mention the chemicals spilled on them in their day-to-day use). For example:
- Methyl bromide is applied to wood pallets to kill invasive pests on shipments coming into the U.S. Because it is so toxic, methyl bromide will soon be banned through the UN’s Montreal Protocol.
- The chemical 2,4,6 tribromophenol, which is banned in the U.S. because of its toxicity, is applied to wooden pallets in other countries as a wood preservative and flame retardant. The chemical was applied to wooden pallets transporting J&J medicines, which contaminated millions of Tylenol, Benadryl, Motrin and other J&J products. The chemical is blamed for the largest series of product recalls in J&J’s history, which began in December 2009 and continues today.
- Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of composite blocks, or “engineered wood,” used in millions of wooden pallets. Formaldehyde is listed as a potential carcinogen.
It’s also well established that old wooden pallets—millions of them—are ground up for mulch every year. An industry report shows that the volume of ground or chipped wood pallets increased from 92 million in 1992 to 303 million board feet in 1999. Industry experts estimate that more than one-half of the pallets ground or chipped by the pallet industry in 1999 went into the production of mulch. This mulch ends up in myriad places—from bulk mulch sold by landscape wholesalers and nurseries to bags sold at home improvement stores.
And here’s an important point: studies show that wood mulch can be hazardous and that pathogens and bacteria on wood chips can survive for more than two years. One study shows that samples of wood mulch were contaminated by arsenic, formaldehyde and other wood processing residues. Another study warns that using wood chips derived from wood packing materials—including wooden pallets—could increase the risk of introduction of pathogens to other areas and plants. The report notes that “infested wood chip mulch” can be a pathway for pathogens because pathogens can survive on wood chips for such a long time, exposing contamination risks to things coming in contact with the mulch. In fact, the authors conclude that risks associated with wood chip mulch are so real, they “justify stricter regulations on wood packaging materials.”
So, you think the wood chip mulch covering the playgrounds where your kids play is safe? Think again. The more you learn, the more you realize wooden pallets truly are a scourge and menace to each and every one of us—even our children.
Spread the word.
Playgrounds filled with mulch from wooden pallets: Are your kids at risk?
Letter: Vote Bill Pysson for Boone County Board rep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
I urge you to vote for William (Bill) Pysson as your Boone County Board Representative, District 1.
Over the past three years, Bill Pysson has proven himself to be a trusted Boone County Watchdog and activist on all matters of government including our school system. Time and time again through his blog, boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com, he has drawn our attention to critical issues that affect our community that we need as a public to stand up and address.
Bill portrays the conduct and tenacity that we need on our County Board to maintain fiscal responsibility. Bill is a well-educated, experienced problem solver. Auditing is his greatest strength. On Nov. 6, please vote for Bill Pysson.
— Diann Helnore, Belvidere
Letter: Vote Bill Pysson for Boone County Board rep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Current Status of the Mulch Fire Case
Friday, October 26, 2012
US economic growth reached still-modest 2 pct. rate in Q3 on higher defense, consumer spending - The Washington Post
The U.S. economy grew at a slightly faster 2 percent annual rate from July through September, buoyed by more spending by consumers and the federal government.
Growth accelerated from the 1.3 percent rate in the April-June quarter, the Commerce Department said Friday. Even with the increase, growth remains too weak to rapidly boost hiring.
Read Bill’s response to organizations’ questionnaires
- To read Bill’s response to the ZONTA Club’s Candidates’ Night click on the following: http://www.boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/candidates-night-october-15-2012.html
- To read Bill’s response to the questions regarding farmland protection click on the following: http://www.boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/only-5-of-15-candidates-for-county.html
- To read Bill’s responses to the Rockford Register Star’s Candidate’s questionnaire , click on the following: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/10/only-one-republican-responds-to.html
Only one Republican responds to Register Star’s Candidate Questionnaire
Only Democrat, William J. Pysson and Republican Dennis Ellingson responded to Rockford Register Star’s Candidates’ questionnaire. The following information is taken from: http://c3.thevoterguide.org/v/rockford12/index.do?i=6
-William J. Pysson (D)
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Biographical Information
Address:9592 Denver Drive, Belvidere, Il 61008
Campaign Phone:(815) 544-5115
Website:boonecountywatch.blogspot.com
Email:bill.pysson@gmail.com
Age:63
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Why are you running for Boone County Board?
William J. Pysson: I have attended Boone County Board meetings and subcommittees meetings for a number of years. I have been critical of many of their actions. I supply the following examples:
Based upon state law the county's CPA audits have at times been untimely. Those audits also reveal accounting issues that continue from audit to audit. The county refused to comply with the state requirement to publish their minutes on their website until I wrote the Attorney General. There have been questionable hiring practices and a lack of proper supervision in the Health Department and Housing Authority. Yet the county board chairman with the advice of the board re-appointed the directors of these two agencies.
The board has been for the most part been unaccepting of suggestions and deaf ear to requests from other than the friends of the board chairman and his gang. Boone County deserves a county board that takes its responsibilities seriously and makes certain that all its departments comply with the law. They need to represent the entire county.
If elected I will strive for a more open and transparent government without back room deals and back room budget discussions.
I believe that my education, MBA DePaul University, and 24 years of residency in Boone County provide a good knowledge base to tackle our county's problems.
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What programs, services or salaries should the Boone County Board eliminate to balance its fiscal 2013 budget?
William J. Pysson: The 2013 budget is nearly finished and should be passed before the current election. If elected I will be unable to change this budget. Thus there will be no programs which I could eliminate.
However I believe that there is no need for a full time coroner. A full time coroner has existed only during the last four years. A half or 3/4 time position would appear to be adequate based upon current conditions. This is an elected position which cannot be altered until 2017. Statistics should be made public to detail the benefits which the county obtains each year from the coroner's department to determine if the position could be cut.
Several departments received increases in manpower. Statistics regarding workloads and backlogs should be kept during FY 2013 and the FY 2014 budget process should review the information to insure that backlogs are reduced and production increased. In past years board committee members have asked department heads to compare manpower, production and backlogs with similar departments at similar sized counties (such as Ogle and Stephenson Counties) I have seen no such figures. I believe that such comparison should be again requested and would be a benefit both for Boone County and the counties compared.
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What specific steps should the Boone County Board take to regulate the establishment and placement of wind turbines?
William J. Pysson: Boone County is currently reviewing its wind farm ordinance and is in the process of taking public testimony regarding a proposed amended ordinance. I believe that current and prospective board members should refrain from comments until all the evidence is provided by both sides of the issue. On October 23 testimony will continue with a possible continuation on October 30.
Nevertheless I do find it highly irregular for members of the board (even those not seeking re-election) to prepare the detailed research required by this new wind turbine ordinance and to effectively write the new ordinance. Two of these board members gave oral and written statements regarding the ordinance and also gave personal testimony recommending the approval of the ordinance. That also appears irregular. From what I understand the staff recommended no change to the present 1,000 feet set back ordinance. Under most conditions the county board should accept the professional opinion of its staff.
Dennis Ellingson (R)
No Picture
Biographical Information
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Address:22931 POPLAR GROVE RD, POPLAR GROVE, IL 61065
Campaign Phone:(815) 292-3394
Email:denny@northernstarfarm.com
Age:61
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Why are you running for Boone County Board?
Dennis Ellingson: I have lived in Boone County all of my life. My wife, Janet, and I raised our three sons in Boone County with the help of many many Boone County friends. I have previously served on the North Boone School Board, the Boone County Soil & Water Board, and the Boone/Winnebago Regional School Board. After watching the Boone County Board deal with tight budgets and increased demands on County tax revenues I feel compelled to offer my help to the people of Boone County to make this an even better place to raise a family, run a business,and enjoy life.
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What programs, services or salaries should the Boone County Board eliminate to balance its fiscal 2013 budget?
Dennis Ellingson: I am not prepared at this time to announce cuts of services or salaries without further study and discussion with others. I am committed to operating our county within a balanced budget. I also feel it is important that the Boone County Board budget will include all known income and expenditures when budgets are approved.
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What specific steps should the Boone County Board take to regulate the establishment and placement of wind turbines?
Dennis Ellingson: The Boone County Board seems to be taking the right steps to establish guidelines for the possible establishment and operation of wind turbines in Boone County. They need to review both the realistic revenues that an industrial wind turbine region may generate for the county, as well as review what effects such a wind turbine project will have on the health, safety, and welfare of the people living in Boone County and within the borders of industrial wind turbine region. If the board finds that a wind turbine project is compatible in Boone County and its' residents then the board needs to set guidelines for construction, operation, and removal of these turbines according to the current rules for special use permitting.
- Brad Fidder (R)
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Biographical Information
Address:18687 Burr Oak Road
Capron, IL 61012Campaign Phone:(815) 569-2415
Age:50
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Why are you running for Boone County Board?
Brad Fidder: Candidate response is not yet available.
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What programs, services or salaries should the Boone County Board eliminate to balance its fiscal 2013 budget?
Brad Fidder: Candidate response is not yet available.
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What specific steps should the Boone County Board take to regulate the establishment and placement of wind turbines?
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Brad Fidder: Candidate response is not yet available.
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Biographical Information
Address:18687 Burr Oak Road
Capron, IL 61012Campaign Phone:(815) 569-2415
Age:50
Address:325 N. Wooster Capron, IL 61012
Email:topcutlawn@yahoo.com
Age:46
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Why are you running for Boone County Board?
Brad Fidder: Candidate response is not yet available.
Kenneth Grzybowski II: Candidate response is not yet available.
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What programs, services or salaries should the Boone County Board eliminate to balance its fiscal 2013 budget?
Kenneth Grzybowski II: Candidate response is not yet available.
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What specific steps should the Boone County Board take to regulate the establishment and placement of wind turbines?
Brad Fidder: Candidate response is not yet available.
Kenneth Grzybowski II: Candidate response is not yet available.
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Bob Walberg
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Biographical Information
Address:12000 Russellville Rd.
Belvidere, Il.Campaign Phone:(815) 670-1170
Email:BoardChairman@BooneCountyIl.org
Age:68
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Why are you running for Boone County Board?
Bob Walberg: Candidate response is not yet available.
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What programs, services or salaries should the Boone County Board eliminate to balance its fiscal 2013 budget?
Bob Walberg: Candidate response is not yet available.
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What specific steps should the Boone County Board take to regulate the establishment and placement of wind turbines?
Bob Walberg: Candidate response is not yet available
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