Boone County Fair means inexpensive exposure for politicians | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

The primary is in March, with the general election the following November. Nominating petitions will be available starting Sept. 3. Six of the 12 county board members who drew two-year terms during the 2012 reorganization will have to run again next year.

That’s true for Chris Berner, recently appointed to replace Mike Schultz, who resigned because he moved out of District 3. Bill Pysson (District 1), a Democrat, and Republicans Marion Thornberry (District 3) and Ron Wait (District 2), all said they planned to run again. Kenny Freeman (District 3) said he was leaning toward not seeking re-election. Berner said he probably would run to finish out Schultz’s four-year term.

Fidder and Johnson, could not be reached, but are expected to run again.

“Normal business practices are not necessarily being practiced here and I’m troubled by that,” Pysson said of one reason he’d like to continue serving. “So I ask questions.”

Animal services building

One of his questions is where does board chairman Bob Walberg stand on building a new home for Animal Control Services? “It seems he has the support to do what he wants,” Pysson said. “I’d hate to see us take five months to develop a building plan and have him turn it down.”

He’d also like to know where the county board stands on the animal control matter.

Click on the following for more details:  Boone County Fair means inexpensive exposure for politicians | Belvidere Daily Republican

Deputy shoots, kills armed man | Belvidere Daily Republican

 

POPLAR GROVE – The man killed in the officer-involved shooting on Sunday, August 11 in Poplar Grove has been identified as Russell D. Donahue, 44, of Rockford. An autopsy by Boone County Coroner, Rebecca Wigget showed he died from multiple gunshot wounds. His death remains under investigation.

Donahue had shot through the front door of a home in Poplar Grove around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Two Boone County deputies responded quickly to the scene and both allegedly fired shots at the armed man and killed him.

A woman and two young children were in the home at the time, and the deputies considered them in danger from the intruder.

The case will now go to the Boone County State’s Attorney’s Office for review to determine whether the shooting was justified.

Click on the following for more details:  Deputy shoots, kills armed man | Belvidere Daily Republican

Here is a link to the Rockford Register Star’s coverage of the incident:  http://www.rrstar.com/news/jenniferwheeler/x273448586/Intruder-identified-in-Poplar-Grove-shooting

The following is a news release from the Integrity Task Force which is investigating the police role in the incident.

Volunteer Opportunities in Government | Boone County, Illinois

 

Current Appointment Openings:

The following are volunteer Boards of the County that have vacancies:

Interested parties are asked to send a letter and resume expressing your interest and qualifications to Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 102, Belvidere, IL 61008.  Please respond by September 9, 2013 to assure being considered.

Belvidere Cemetery Association

1 vacancies for a term that will expire May 3, 2018

County Historical Museum District Board of Trustees

1 vacancies for a year term that will expire June 30, 2017

Interested parties are asked to send a letter and resume expressing your interest and qualifications to Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 102, Belvidere, IL 61008.  Please respond by Sept 9, 2013 to assure being considered.

Click on the following for proper links:  Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

Veterans Assistance Commission requests additional $25,000

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County requested a second $25,000 advance from the Boone County Board at tonight’s Admin Subcommittee

It submitted the accounting of the first $25,000 shown below.  The entire Boone County Board must approve the next payment at the board meeting on August 21, 2013.

Several items were explained at tonight’s meeting. 

• The “Cash, Expense” was a one time cash withdrawal to pay purchases of office items at Office Depot and Best Buy.  These institutions refused payment by check/debit because the account was too new for bank verification.
• “VAC Operational Expenses” ($486.58) were actually payments to pay indigent veterans’ rent and utility bills.
• The second $25,000 advance is anticipated to cover operations until November 30, 2013.
• Since opening in July, 25-30 clients have been seen.

Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County is located at 175 Cadillac Court, Suite C, Belvidere, Il 61008. Phone 815 544 6464

Fair Questionnaire Results

Boone County Democratic Party

Questionnaire for the 2013 Boone County Fair

Legend:

B100=District 100 Belvidere; Total #=62

NB200= District 200 North Boone; Total #=31 #=32 for county questions

AO= All others; Total #=29

BC= Boone County Resident; Total #= 94

1. How well does your school district prepare students for college and the work place? 

A. Does both jobs very well B100 23% NB200 13% AO 28%

B. Prepares students for college but not work place B100 25% NB200 26% AO 17%

C. Prepares students well for the work place but not for college. B100 7% NB200 6% AO 3%

D. Does not prepare students well for either college or work place B100 25% NB200 23% AO 24%

E. Does an excellent job only in some area such as___B100 2% NB200 0% AO 0%

No Opinion B100 18% NB200 32% AO 24%

2.  If you were going to convince someone to move to Boone County, which of the following reasons would you use?

Please number the reasons in order of importance:  1=most -9=least; using a “0” for reasons you would not use.

A. ______________Good Quality School System

B. #1 __              Rural Environment—Both NB200 and B100’s top choice. Second & Third all items very close with only “F” significantly lower choice.

C. _____________ Low Taxes

D. ______________ Proximity to Chicago and collar counties

E. ______________ Inexpensive Housing

F. ______________Job prospects in Boone-Winnebago Counties

G. ______________ Recreational Opportunities

H. AO: nearly evenly Friendly accepting neighborhoods

I. split H &I as #1 The County Fair and other local events

3. Do you think that the current county open burning ordinances are strict enough? Yes: BC 51% No: BC 21% No Opinion: BC 28%

4.  Does Boone County need a soup kitchen for the homeless?   Yes: B100 61% NB200 53% No: B100 24% NB200 9% Don’t have an opinion: B100 15% NB200 38%

If yes, in what community should it be located?   Belvidere 18; votes no other location more than one vote.

5. There currently is a county wide Public Safety Sales Tax of ½ cent. It is schedule to stop in 2018.  In the past several years this sales taxes paid not only for principle and interest on the Public Safety Building but for salaries and Jail expenses.

A. Do you favor a continuation of this tax after the building is paid off in 2018?  Yes: BC 41% No: BC 39% No Opinion: BC 20%

B. Would you support a referendum authorizing continuing this tax after 2018?  Yes: BC 38% No: BC 38% No Opinion: BC 24%

6. Under proper regulation would you be in favor of wind energy projects in Boone County? Yes: B100 69% NB200 53% No: B100 21% NB200 47% No Opinion: B100 10% NB200 0%

7. The Federal and State government should subsidize low cost pre-school learning programs.  Agree: B100 63% NB200 66% AO 60% Disagree: B100 26% NB200 28% AO 20%   No opinion: B100 11% NB200 6% AO 20%

8.  Ida Public Library is the only public library in the county.  Most county residents outside of Belvidere must pay a fee to have a library card.  Would you support a tax referendum to extend “feeless” library service to the rest of the county?      Yes: B100 58% NB200 53% No: B100 26% NB200 28%  No opinion: B100 26% NB200 19% I am a City of Belvidere resident? B100 45% stated they were.

9.   Most Boone County Sheriff’s deputies are provided a squad car to take home during their off time shift.  Do you agree with this policy?  Yes: B100 48% NB200 60%; No: B100 48% NB200 38% No Opinion B100 4% NB200 2%  If you believe the policy should be modified in some way, how?

10.  What do you believe is the most important issue facing Boone County? 

B100: Jobs#1, taxes and education lag behind with approximately half the number of responses for each. NB200: Wind Turbines#1 with jobs coming in next at about half the number. AO: Jobs #1 with crime as #2 with half the number of responses.

Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

 

Boone County government offers a wide and diverse number of direct services to its residents, including law enforcement, correction and detention of law violators, support for the criminal justice system, direct health care, maintenance of essential records, highway maintenance, property assessments, courtroom operations, building and planning services, tax collection for other local governments, and election administration among others. From these many services come many opportunities for employment.

For applications and openings for the Sheriff's Department please visit the Public Safety Building at 615 N. Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008

Current Job Openings : 

Boone County Administration Office
Office Manager

The Boone County Administration Office is currently hiring a
full-time Office Manager. This person will be responsible
for preparing agendas and packet information for county board
meetings as well as transcribing minutes from the meetings.
This person will also be responsible for accounts payable,
maintaining office records, organizing office operations, and
any other duties assigned by the County Administrator.
Applicants must be people-oriented and have strong communication skills.
Computer knowledge is a must.
The starting wage for this position is $12.00-$15.00 per hour D.O.Q
Excellent benefits including health, dental, and retirement.
Applications are available at the Boone County Administration Office
1212 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008
or click on the application link below.
Please submit applications to:
Boone County Administration Office
1212 Logan Avenue Suite 102
Belvidere, IL 61008
Applications must be received by August 30, 2013
EOE

In Person Counselor & Community Educator

The Boone County Health Department is seeking qualified candidates to apply for our In Person Counselor Program in collaboration with the Illinois Association of Public Health Administrators / Illinois Public Health Association.  This position will promote and protect health and prevent disease for the residents of Boone County by conducting informational and educational programs in Boone County to promote enrollment in health insurance and assisting eligible individuals and small employers with enrollment in qualified health plans, Medicaid, and All Kids through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.  This is a full-time position.  The initial contract will expire no later than June 30, 2014 and may be terminated for other reasons prior to that date.  This position requires at least an associate's degree in business, finance, health, public health or human services and at least three years of experience in an eligibility determination and benefits enrollment, health promotion, community health education, public health or human services program.  This position requires the ability to communicate fluently in spoken and written English and Spanish.    Excellent working environment and great benefit package.  Please click here to view the full job description.  Send resume to Amanda Mehl, Boone County Health Department, 1204 Logan Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008 or submit electronically to info@boonehealth.org.  EOE

Public Health Nurse

The Boone County Health Department is currently hiring a full-time Public Health Nurse to serve as a Maternal Child Health Case Manager in our Family Case Management and WIC Programs.  Must possess a strong desire to work with children and families.  Other duties include but are not limited to providing nursing care during our Immunization, Seasonal Flu, and School Physical clinics.  Bilingual in English/Spanish encouraged to apply.  Must be a registered nurse licensed to practice in Illinois.  Excellent working environment and great benefit package.  Paid holidays, weekends, and most evenings off.  Please click here to view the full job description.  Send resume to Amanda Mehl, Boone County Health Department, 1204 Logan Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008 or submit electronically to info@boonehealth.org    EOE

Links are available by clicking on the following:  Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

I-90 Local Crossroad Bridges--August, 2013 | Boone County, Illinois

 

I-90 Local Crossroad Bridges--August, 2013

 

 

NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Jon Bigness

August 8, 2013

EIGHT LOCAL CROSSROAD BRIDGES SCHEDULED TO CLOSE IN AUGUST FOR JANE ADDAMS MEMORIAL TOLLWAY (I-90) CONSTRUCTION Posted detours will reroute traffic during bridge demolition, reconstruction

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – Eight local crossroad bridges over the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) are scheduled to close beginning the week of August 19 for demolition and reconstruction as part of the Illinois Tollway’s $2.2 billion I-90 Rebuilding and Widening Project. The closures are expected to be in place for three months and will have minimal impact on I-90 traffic.

In 2013, the Illinois Tollway is reconstructing the Mill Road, Irene Road, Stone Quarry Road, Genoa Road, Getty Road, Brier Hill Road, Sandwald Road and Powers Road bridges. Detour routes will be posted and electronic message signs will be put in place to alert drivers to the bridge closure dates. Construction project and detour information is also available in the “Projects By Roadway” section in the Construction/Planning section on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com.
Full closure of these local crossroad bridges is necessary because the roadways over I-90 are too narrow to accommodate traffic while completing the work. All eight bridges, which were originally built in the 1950s, will be lengthened to accommodate the new, wider I-90 roadway.
The locations and detours for each bridge closure are as follows: Winnebago County

 Mill Road: The detour will direct traffic to use U.S. Route 20, Perryville Road and Newburg Road

in both directions to route around the Mill Road closure. More than 7,000 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

Boone County

 Irene Road: The detour will direct traffic to use U.S. Route 20, Townhall Road and Graham Road in both directions to route around the Irene Road closure. About 850 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

 Stone Quarry Road: The detour will direct traffic to use U.S. Route 20, Townhall Road and Graham Road in both directions to route around the Stone Quarry Road closure. About 1,200 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

 Genoa Road: The detour will direct traffic to use U.S. Route 20, Crystal Parkway, Tripp Road and Cohoon Road in both directions to route around the Genoa Road closure. About 4,100 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

McHenry County

 Getty Road: The detour will direct traffic to use Harmony Road, Hampshire Road, Melms Road and County Line Road in both directions to route around the Getty Road closure. About 150 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

 Brier Hill Road: The detour will direct traffic to use Harmony Road and U.S. Route 20 in both directions to route around the Brier Hill Road closure. About 650 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

Kane County

 Sandwald Road: The detour will direct traffic to use Jim Dhamer Road, Illinois Route 47 and Big Timber Road in both directions to route around the Sandwald Road closure. About 450 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

 Powers Road: The detour will direct traffic to use Big Timber Road, Illinois Route 72, Higgins Road, Tyrrell Road and Freeman Road in both directions to route around the Powers Road closure. About 600 vehicles use this stretch of local roadway daily.

The local roadway closures were coordinated with DeKalb, Kane, McHenry, Boone and Winnebago counties and the Illinois Department of Transportation, along with local municipalities, townships, school districts and police and fire departments.

The Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) Rebuilding and Widening Project

The Illinois Tollway is rebuilding and widening 62 miles along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I‐90) as a 21st century, state‐of‐the-art corridor linking Rockford to O’Hare International Airport. The I‐90 corridor from Chicago to Rockford serves nearly 1 million travelers per day.
In 2013, the Illinois Tollway is rebuilding the eastbound lanes between Rockford and Elgin. Work on this segment is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013, with the westbound lanes scheduled to be rebuilt and widened in 2014. Work on the segment of I-90 from Chicago to Elgin is scheduled for 2014-
2016.
As many as 30 local crossroad bridges are scheduled to be reconstructed as part of the $2.2 billion I-90
Rebuilding and Widening Project. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $12 billion capital program,

Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

Most of I‐90’s infrastructure is more than 54 years old. Since it was originally built in the 1950s, residential and commercial growth have strained parts of I‐90 beyond its capacity, increasing delays and weakening economic activity. The I-90 Rebuilding and Widening Project will deliver a dramatic
facelift to I-90, with eight lanes from the Kennedy Expressway to the Elgin Toll Plaza and six lanes from the Elgin Toll Plaza to I-39.
-more-
I-90 Local Crossroad Bridge Work Begins - page 3

Work Zone Safety

A 45 mph speed limit is in effect 24/7 in all construction zones on I-90, whether or not workers are present. Drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution at all times.
The posted speed limit on Sleepy Hollow Road/McLean Road is 30 mph.
Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375. Posted signs advise drivers of a $10,000 fine and 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.

Getting Tollway Construction Information

The Illinois Tollway has a variety of ways customers can get the latest travel information, including:
 www.illinoistollway.com – Construction/Planning section and Tollway Trip Calculator

 1-800-TOLL-FYI begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-TOLL-FYI FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting – Daily lane closure information

 www.travelmidwest.com – Real-time travel times
 www.nbcchicago.com – Up-to-the-minute traffic by roadway
 www.myfoxchicago.com – Latest traffic conditions
 www.twitter.com – Real-time roadway incident information at Tollway Trip 90, Tollway Trip 88, Tollway Trip 355 and Tollway Trip 94/294

About Move Illinois

The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the

Future, will improve mobility, relieve congestion, reduce pollution, create as many as 120,000 jobs and link economies across the Midwest region. Move Illinois will address the remaining needs of the

existing Tollway system; rebuild and widen the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of-the- art 21st century corridor; construct a new interchange to connect the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57; build a new, all-electronic Elgin O’Hare Western Access and fund planning studies for the Illinois Route
53/120 Extension and the Illiana Expressway.

About the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 286 miles of interstate tollways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355),
the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80).

I-90 Local Crossroad Bridges--August, 2013 | Boone County, Illinois