Musick: Hawks get physical in 5-2 win over Wild
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013
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AMERICAN PROFILE • INSIDE
11 straight shutouts put Wolves at top of FVC
Experience the difference of traveling by train
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Journalist, historian Peasley dies ‘Mr. Woodstock’ remembered for his personable manner, patience and charity Don Peasley worked as a journalist and historian for more than 65 years in McHenry County.
By SHAWN SHINNEMAN sshinneman@shawmedia.com WOODSTOCK – Don Peasley, a McHenry County staple as a journalist and historian for more than 65 years, died Friday at age 90.
The editor, columnist and historian had suffered a stroke in late February but was back at home with a full-time caretaker. “He was a wonderful man,” said Marybeth Vogrinc, Peasley’s assistant since 1980. “He was a role model
to me with his patience and his charity toward people.” Peasley, of Woodstock, continued the work he loved through his last day. He had been writing about people and events around the county in
‘Fresh and fun’ activities
for summer season By STEPHEN Di BENEDETTO
“Over the last few years, registration has been lower. We have been talking to our parents the last few years. Some have been laid off, or they just can’t afford it.” Sarah Dodge McHenry Area Youth Commission program coordinator
SUMMER RESOURCES Numerous park districts and recreational groups in McHenry County offer annual summer programming for all kinds of residents. Check with these local agencies to learn more. General resources include: n The McHenry County Convention and Visitors Bureau 815-893-6280 executivedirector@mchenrycountycvb.com n Sage YMCA 815-459-4455 www.ymcachicago.org n The Crystal Lake Park District 815-459-0680 info@crystallakeparks.org
sdibenedetto@shawmedia.com As summer nears, recreational groups throughout McHenry County have begun unveiling new and enhanced programs for residents itching for ways to take advantage of the warm summer months. Camps, beach activities, biking and hiking are just a few of the activities available to residents both young and old through groups such as the Crystal Lake Park District and Sage YMCA. Each year, the groups are challenged to offer fresh programs for the popular summer season while feeling increased pressure to hold fees in check during a down economy. “Offering the highest quality of programs and keeping fees under control is definitely a challenge and goal for our staff,” said Kim Buscemi, recreation services superintendent for the Crystal Lake Park District. The district is putting the final touches on its summer brochure, which will be sent May 15 to Crystal Lake-area residents. Once released, residents can start registering for a summer program lineup that features traditional and new activities, Buscemi said. Visitors at the district’s Main Beach off Lake Shore Drive can expect new themed events, including “Wet and Wild Thursdays,” which features a special activity each week. Swimmers and beach bums can take a break from the sun and participate in the district’s new arts and crafts program that features a different project at the Main Beach each Tuesday. The district also has added more fitness classes and introduced a punch pass that allows residents to attend a variety of group exercise classes. The district’s summer day camp for kids of all ages returns in June and features many summer activities.
The new offerings are an attempt to keep the summer program fresh for residents, Buscemi said, but the district also has been challenged to keep its broad programming affordable. The district has taken an austere approach to spending in recent years that has enabled officials to keep fees, which vary depending on the program, relatively flat since the economic downturn in 2008. “Over the last several years, our registration has held steady,” Buscemi said. “We are constantly trying to provide the best programs at the most affordable prices.” Sage YMCA also has kept its summer program fees in check while adding new programs for younger children, senior program director Graham Little said. Sage YMCA has 13 different
See SUMMER, page A7
a weekly column for the Northwest Herald, and was scheduled to speak at a McHenry County Historical Society event Sunday. Like every day, he got up Friday
See PEASLEY, page A7
Emanuel pushes for Chicago casino By SOPHIA TAREEN The Associated Press CHICAGO – Visitors to the nation’s third-largest city are usually spotted wandering the Magnificent Mile, snapping pictures of the Willis Tower and sampling Chicago-style deep dish pizza, but if some persistent Illinois lawmakers and Mayor Rahm Emanuel get their way, a glitzy casino would be on their agenda, too. Trying to land a Chicago casino has become an annual sticking point, despite political gusto from mayors and legislators who want to expand gambling in Illinois. Gov. Pat Quinn has axed two gambling bills and invoked images of infiltrating “mobsters.” Along that same theme, the head of the Illinois Gaming Board said the pending plan is inherently problematic because of the way a Chicago casino will be managed. Still, the latest bill – which recently cleared the Illinois Senate and also would allow slot machines located in lounges at O’Hare and Midway – appears to have the best chance yet. For the first time, Quinn signaled his support for gaming in a major speech, saying this year that he’d be open to a gaming bill if the revenue benefits schools, a stance that comes as Illinois faces mountainous money problems. Meanwhile, Emanuel is pushing hard for the proposal, lawmakers are eager to rework it and business leaders would love the chance to plant a casino in Chicago – the largest American city to date – with thousands of noisy slots, an entertainment venue and a continuous flow of money-spending tourists. “It’s not just another riverboat
See CASINO, page A7
LOCALLY SPEAKING
HUNTLEY
D-158 EXPANDS DIGITAL CURRICULUM The District 158 administration will be putting more tablets in students’ hands. The district’s emerging “One-to-One” digital curriculum replaces traditional textbooks and allows students to access online programs and lessons through their own tablet, provided by the district. For more, see page B1.
The Broken Oar Marina Bar & Grill Jim Dallke - jdallke@shawmedia.com
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PORT BARRINGTON: The Broken Oar’s business has been crippled by flooding on local roads. Local, B1 Vol. 28, Issue 124
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