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Articles by Bob Balgemann
4 advisory boards devote time, effort to helping guide the village
The overseeing village board has four advisory committees and commissions made up of volunteer residents and elected officials, whose recommendations on a vast variety of subjects help that board make decisions to help guide the future of the community. Specifically, they are the planning and economic development committee (PED), public improvement and safety committee (PISC), planning and zoning commission (P&Z) and liquor commission (LC).
Public library director presents revised budget to city officials
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The new Ida Public Library director, Mindy Long, has continued her planned monthly visits to meetings of the city Committee of the Whole, Public Works, bringing updates on the internal workings of the vast resource center. This time she also presented a revised 2021-22 budget to aldermen and Mayor Clint Morris, the original of which had been a source of controversy during tax levy discussions earlier this year.
Harlem Middle School a presence at state bowling tournaments
Harlem Middle School likely is a household name in the Joliet area, home of the annual Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) state bowling tournaments for boys and girls teams. Since those competitions began in 2013, the young Lady Huskies have won four championships while finishing second twice. That includes an opening string of three consecutive titles, over 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Harlem gears up for second half in boys, girls basketball
By Bob Balgemann This year’s holiday break is over and that means the second half of the 2021-22 winter sports season is under way at Harlem. The Lady Huskies (8-5) came out of the Boylan Reindeer Games invitational, played Dec. 28-30, by winning two games in pool play. They opened by capturing their fourth consecutive game with a 49-17 runaway against Dakota (4-9), racing to a 22-9 lead at halftime, and increasing the difference to 43-14 in the final period.
Machesney Park closer to allowing variance for fence on vacant lot
Resident Charles McLean hadn’t met with much success in his attempt to build a 50-foot chain link fence on the vacant, quarter-acre lot he recently purchased at 7315 Mildred Road. The purpose, he said, was to provide space for his dog to run free and to enclose things he would like to keep on the lot. At one point in the process, his wife, Linda said they might plant a garden, but that there would be no planned new construction.
Harlem will entertain Boylan Catholic Friday in a big NIC-10 game
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem football fans will have another big game to watch at home Friday night. Boylan Catholic is coming to town, hoping to rebound from last week’s last-second, 16-14 setback to NIC-10 co-leader, Hononegah (5-0). That put the Titans at 3-2 for the season and one game behind the Huskies, who are alone in second place at 4-1, having won their last four outings. Harlem prevailed over Rockford East, 20-0, on a rainy Sept. 24 at Clyde F. Peterson Stadium.
Huskies will meet Jefferson Friday night in home football opener
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem will have its 2021 home football opener at 7:15 p.m. Friday when NIC-10 opponent, Jefferson, comes to town. The Huskies have enjoyed most of their games against the J-Hawks, especially over the past 15 years when they won 14 of their 15 meetings. Friday, they will seek to even their conference record at 1-1 following the season-opening loss to rival Hononegah, 14-6.
Belvidere mayor draws challenger in Republican primary election
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Incumbent Mayor Mike Chamberlain is being challenged by a Boone County Board member, Jeff Carlisle, in his bid for re-election to a third four-year term leading the city. They will square off in the Feb. 23 Republican primary election with the winner moving on to the April 6 consolidated election, where he will face Independent candidate Clint Morris. The two primary opponents first were asked similar questions.
Ida Public Library seeks rezoning for Hurlbut Avenue project
Ida Public Library is a major property owner in the city, especially along West Hurlbut Avenue, some of whose houses are part of a local historic district. It is requesting rezoning of a 9,000-square-foot, vacant parcel at 117 W. Hurlbut from SR-6, single-family residential, to I, institutional, to accommodate a future library project of some kind. The Belvidere Planning and Zoning Commission was first to hear the request, at its July 12 meeting.
Harlem summer sports teams remain busy in track, wrestling
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem’s boys and girls track and field teams are coming off a busy week in which the Lady Huskies participated in the District 117 Invitational at suburban Antioch, and then joined the Huskies in a head-to-head conference meet against Boylan Catholic. Meanwhile, the wrestling squad had two double-dual matches against a mix of NIC-10 and non-conference opponents.
Harlem baseball celebrates Senior Night with 6th consecutive win
By Bob Balgemann Reporter No. 6 was a number to be remembered on 2021 Senior Night at Harlem’s baseball field. The Huskies played six seniors while winning their sixth consecutive game, 9-2, over NIC-10 opponent Rockford Auburn. That left Harlem battling for third place in the conference with an 11-6 record, and an overall mark of 15-9.
Harlem home again Friday, against Guilford, after evening record
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem will be at home at 7:15 Friday night for its second consecutive NIC-10 football game, after evening its 2021 record at 1-1 with a 56-22 win over Jefferson on Sept. 3. It was an unusual game for the J-Hawks when it came to the first quarter of their first two outings. In their season opener, the J-Hawks surrendered 41 first-period points to eventual winner Boylan Catholic in a 68-14 loss.
Harlem winter sports teams win three of four opening contests
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Four of Harlem’s seven winter sports teams have opened their abbreviated seasons with victories. The boys and girls varsity basketball teams traveled to Boylan Catholic and came home with a pair of wins. The inexperienced Huskies with just no returning starters routed the Titans, 67-50. One of the returning seniors who did log considerable playing time in 2019-20, Dominic Dawsey, was first team, all-conference.
Machesney Park begins step-by-step update of comprehensive plan
Led by Planning and Zoning Manager Carrie Houston, the planning and zoning commission (P&Z) has begun its section-by-section update of the village’s road map to the future, its comprehensive plan. After a few preliminary meetings, Manager Houston has presented commissioners with a draft of the first chapter of the plan.
Harlem’s Jeremy Mueller advances to state swim meet in two events
Harlem junior Jeremy Mueller will be in suburban Westmont this weekend, competing in the 2021-22 state swimming and diving meet. Mueller made it out of the Byron sectional Feb. 19 by eclipsing the state qualifying standard of 1:56.89, with a 1:55.34 in the 200-yard individual medley (IM) race. He finished ahead of the runner-up by more than seven seconds, and was the only one in that event at Byron to earn a berth at state.
Harlem leads NIC-10 with 8 all-conference selections in wrestling
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem was expecting a rebuilding season in wrestling, what with losing nine experienced, four-year starters to graduation. What ensued was described by head coach Sam Enderle as a “unique season.” First of all, wrestling for years had been a winter sport. But not 2020-21, throughout the state of Illinois, as the coronavirus pandemic, which struck the world in March 2020, created a fourth season that saw wrestling move to summer competition.
Coach says Harlem had ‘monumental season’ in girls basketball
By Bob Balgemann REPORTER It was one of those girls basketball seasons in the NIC-10 that saw a logjam of teams competing for a place in the Top 5. Harlem was bound for one of those spots until an unexpected end to the abbreviated season thwarted that anticipated finish. Head coach Beth Meyer put it this way: “A short-handed Harlem battled with multiple injuries and a COVID-related absence down the stretch, which left a lot of what-ifs and unanswered questions lingering.
Village paves the way for smaller, roof-mounted wind turbines
The village Zoning Code defines and regulates all wind-operated energy devices, with such terminals only being permitted on agriculturally zoned properties that are at least 2 ½ acres in size. They are allowed with a special use permit on residential, office and commercial lots but, again, the parcel must be at least 2 ½ acres in size. Those regulations appear to have been adopted when all wind turbines were on tall towers.
Former Machesney Park trustee hopes to become next village clerk
By Bob Balgemann Reporter For longtime resident Robbin Snodgrass, continuing her many years of public service would be capped by becoming the fifth village clerk in its 40-year history on Tuesday. She is being opposed in her attempt by resident Kristine De Nolf. The Post Journal asked the two candidates the same questions: (1) What prompted you to be a candidate for village clerk; and (2), why should voters select you. Robbin Snodgrass 1.
Belvidere properties helping regional land bank move forward
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Boone County and the City of Belvidere both are members of the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority that was created in 2019. The purpose of that regional organization is to get abandoned and blighted properties, including houses, put back on the tax rolls and be an asset to their community. While the COVID-19 pandemic, now in its second year, has slowed progress of the Land Bank, there have been a few transactions to help the organization move forward.
Fresh numbers confirm Belvidere being in economic growth spurt
When Building Director Kip Countryman presented his department’s activities update in March, the numbers were so promising that he felt confident the local economy was on the upswing. One month later, in April, bouyed by indicators from Community Development Planner Gina DelRose, there was further support for his optimistic outlook.
Lady Huskies repeat as undefeated NIC-10 bowling champions
It took a little longer than called for in the schedule of matches, but Harlem wound up repeating as NIC-10 champion of girls bowling for 2021-22. With four matches left to play, Harlem, Hononegah and Auburn were tied for first place with 5-0 records. Hononegah rolled past Auburn in the sixth game that signaled the beginning of the Lady Knights’ fall from contention. Still, the Harlem-Auburn meeting in the sixth match of the season had meaning. They were scheduled to play Jan.
Harlem athletes qualify for sectionals in girls bowling, wrestling
Harlem athletes will continue competing in the postseason by having advanced to this weekend’s IHSA state sectional tournaments in girls bowling and wrestling. Meanwhile, Harlem’s girls varsity basketball team will wrap up the regular season tonight (Thursday) at Belvidere North, before heading into the postseason by hosting a regional tournament next week.
Police chief touches on COSSAP officer, body cams, bank robbery
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The city’s police and fire chiefs are continuing to give monthly updates on a wide variety of activities involving their departments during the previous 30 days. Police Chief Shane Woody’s summary for the month of April contained 11 separate, brief reports.
Alderman wants discussion on dealing with library levy
By Bob Balgemann Reporter More than one city official has said he would like there to be discussion on dealing with the Ida Public Library’s annual tax levy. Mayor Mike Chamberlain made the first call in January, not long after city council in another split vote approved the library’s requested levy increase of $18,301 for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Harlem Huskies warming up for outdoor track and field season
March has arrived and with that comes the hope of the warmer weather that accompanies the spring track and field season. Harlem’s boys track team is winding down the return of the indoor track schedule that included competition against both the more familiar NIC-10 opponents, and those from outside the conference, including the Chicago suburbs.
Machesney Park to observe 40th anniversary
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The village will celebrate another milestone – the 40th anniversary of its incorporation – on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Land that previously was the site of the Machesney Airport was set aside for what became a successful Winnebago County municipality. And its triumphs over those years recently were heralded by the seventh mayor (village president) in its history, Steve Johnson, during the 1,514th meeting of the village board. But first things first.
New restaurant gets 2nd chance for variances from sign ordinance
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The new Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers restaurant under construction at 9901 Orlando Ave. came away from the Oct. 4 planning and economic development committee (PED) meeting, looking at a negative recommendation for one of its three requested variances from the village sign ordinance. In August, the planning and zoning commission (P&Z) recommended against that same variance, which was from freestanding, base and height requirements in the zoning code.
Personal best efforts a benchmark for Harlem girls track in 2021
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The coronavirus pandemic cancelled outdoor track at Harlem in 2020. There was no indoor track early in 2021. But, finally, in the spring of 2021, enough of the COVID-related restrictions had been lifted to allow an outdoor season. And during that time, long-suffering Lady Huskies made the most of their opportunities by continuing to post personal best times, heights and distances as the season moved on.
Water quality concerns lead to city Well No. 3 being taken off line
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Well No. 3 no longer is providing drinking water to city customers due to the presence of PFAS–Per- and Polyfluoroalkl Substances–in concentrations exceeding guidance levels established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Public Works Director Brent Anderson recently made Mayor Mike Chamberlain and aldermen aware of that situation in a memorandum.
Special use for indoor/outdoor event space denied by county board
The request for a special use permit to allow creation of an indoor/outdoor event space on 20 acres at 10813 Spring Road in Garden Prairie, unincorporated Spring Township, has been denied in a 9-2 vote of the Boone County Board. That decision was reached after numerous meetings, including a public hearing before the Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals.
Harlem still unbeaten in football, sweeps Auburn in volleyball
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem’s varsity football and girls volleyball teams were on the same path last week as the abbreviated 2021 season neared an end. In football, the Huskies came from serious deficits for the third consecutive week to improve their record to 5-0 with one game left to play. And the 43-42 win April 17 was not against the scheduled opponent, Boylan Catholic.
Harlem has great week in boys basketball; mixed results in bowling
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem’s Huskies basketball team enjoyed a successful week as it bounced back from a loss to Rockford East to notch four consecutive victories. Meanwhile, in a showdown among NIC-10 bowling powerhouses, Freeport’s boys rallied from an early deficit to seize a 14-pin win over Harlem and remain in contention for this year’s conference title. Then Rockford East took a big lead after two games before holding on to stun Harlem by 49 pins, 3,684 to 3,535.
Rock Valley Publishing LLC.
Lady Huskies win outdoor track meets in LaSalle-Peru, Woodstock Harlem’s outdoor girls track team was a presence in the region last week, winning both the Lady Cavs Relay Invitational at LaSalle Peru High School, and the Steve Erwin Invitational in Woodstock. They dominated the Lady Cavs gathering, winning 11 of 15 events while scoring 100 1/2 points to 55 for runner-up and host, La Salle-Peru.
Belvidere Ward 2 will have a new alderman after April 6 election
By Bob Balgemann REPORTER The Ward 2 seat on the Belvidere City Council will have a new occupant after the April 6 consolidated election. Independent Catherine Rose Barnes is opposing Republican Natalie Mulhall for the four-year term previously held by Republican Daniel Arevalo. The Feb. 23 primary election between Arevalo and Mulhall ended in a 104 tie, requiring a coin flip that was won by Mulhall.
Signs up, cautioning residents about start of Alpine Road project
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Message boards are going up, reminding residents, businesses and visitors that one of the village’s biggest road projects – improvements to Alpine Road – is about to begin. Construction should commence on or before June 1 and be completed early in October, except for traffic signal work at Gladys and Alpine. “We’re seeing significant delays for steel and other equipment,” Village Engineer Chris Dopkins reported.
Grant to help Hispanic, Latinix entrepreneurs with their businesses
A $15,000 grant has been received from the National League of Cities (NLS) is geared to help Hispanic and Latinix entrepreueurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses in the city. Budget and Finance Officer Shannon Hansen brought that proposal to a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, explaining how the city had partnered with Growth Dimensons to apply for the funding, through the NLC’s City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program.
Village overcomes hurdle while preparing for Harlem Road project
Village officials are proceeding with some work tied to such 2022 projects as improvements to Harlem Road, between Illinois 251 (North Second Street) and Amber Drive, adjacent to Schnucks grocery. One of the early steps that are part of this ongoing Build Machesney Program is evaluating the existing storm sewer system, which serves Harlem Road. That evaluation takes place through cleaning and televising the sewer system to be sure there are no hidden problems.
Local sports roundup
Iffy weather makes it difficult for some Harlem spring sports teams During this spring of uncertain weather, the only certainty for six of Harlem’s seven sports teams was to stay indoors, which meant practicing against teammates. The boys volleyball team, whose matches all were indoors, enjoyed the certainty that allowed them to play 19 NIC-10 and non-conference contests going into the last week in April.
Special use permits sought for relocation of church, medical offices
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The village of Machesney Park has various zoning districts that allow a variety of commercial and industrial uses. Sometimes a use doesn’t precisely fit in the zoning district to which it has been assigned. When that happens, a special use permit can be issued that allows the use to reside there. The village recently dealt with two such issues.
Harlem returns home Friday night for battle with Rockford East
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem’s elusive stable of running backs and wide receivers were in the spotlight Sept. 17, as the Huskies traveled to Freeport and scored an impressive 48-0 win over the host Pretzels. They displayed their speed while leaving Pretzel defenders in their wake, and their strength by often breaking tackles on the way to the end zone. The result was amassing a 42-0 lead at halftime.
Village approves special use permits with numerous conditions
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The Village of Machesney Park requires that special use permits be issued to allow certain kinds of uses in various zoning districts around town. Trustees recently considered two such cases with numerous conditions being added to the permits. One of them resulted in filling space on the back side of the former Machesney Park Mall, at 8780 N. Second St., which had been vacant for almost 20 years.
Girls win another state bowling title
The Bowling Feeder System is continuing to supply talented individuals for the boys and girls teams at Harlem High School. Evidence of that was seen at the 2022 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) tournament April 8-9 in Joliet, where the Lady Huskies won their fourth state championship in eight years of team competition. Their entire four-girl team wound up in the Top 9 overall, with eighth-graders Ashlin Tewes and Allison Roberts finishing 1-2.
Harlem, Hononegah bowlers a presence in national bowling event
By Bob Balgemann REPORTER More than 40 bowlers in a variety of ages from Harlem and Hononegah schools are still on the road in Indianapolis, Ind. They’ve renewed their rivalry but this time the field is much larger, with all of them vying for college scholarships. Hundreds of student-athletes have been grouped into the following divisions: boys and girls under 12 years age; under 15; under 18; and under 20.
Village considers special use to allow motor vehicle rental business
A proposal to operate a multi-faceted business out of the former North Park Rental location at 9624 N. Second St. has received support at the first of three stops it has to make in the approval process. There were few questions Jan. 24 during the planning and zoning commission (P&Z) meeting, during which there was a unanimous recommendation for approval of the requested special use permit. Planning and Zoning Manager Carrie Houston provided the background for the commissioners.
Machesney Park opposes state trying to take more local revenue
By Bob Balgemann Reporter The village board has approved two resolutions that deal with sources of state revenue, one of them in favor of proposed action in Springfield and the other in opposition. Resolution 37-R-21 supported restoration of local government distributive funds (LGDF), which Gov. J.B. Pritzker was proposing to further decrease by 10 percent in the state’s 2021-22 budget.
April a busy time for Harlem’s boys, girls track and field teams
Having avoided the month of March with its iffy weather, Harlem’s 2022 boys and girls outdoor track and field teams have made up for lost time by scheduling nine meets and invitationals during April. Two have already been held (weather permitting): the Gene Shipley Track and Field Invitational on April 2, in Rock Island, followed by the nearby Rockford Auburn High School meet. Up for the coming weekend are two multi-team gatherings, one for each team.
Harlem swimmers earn medal places, set records at NIC-10 meet
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Members of Harlem’s boys swimming and diving team were a presence at the year-ending conference meet, when a blend of seniors, juniors and sophomores finished first, second or third in eight of the 13 events. Sophomore Jeremy Mueller had a banner day, breaking six school records at the sophomore and varsity levels. Harlem’s competitive cheerleading squad again qualified for state and wound up in 16th place.
Watton edges teammate Eggert for national bowling championship
By Bob Balgemann Reporter Harlem’s girls bowling teams have achieved numerous milestones over the years at the state and national levels. This year the Lady Huskies put an exclamation in the record book at national competition in Dayton, Ohio when two of its bowlers finished 1-2 in the individual finals. There, Olivia Watton defeated teammate Jocelynn Eggert to win the championship. Team-wise, Harlem finished third with rival Hononegah in fourth.
Harlem varsity, JVs bring home NIC-10 championships in bowling
By Bob Balgemann REPORTER With this year’s state regional bowling tournament on the verge of beginning, Harlem’s boys varsity and junior varsity teams won NIC-10 championships with victories over Rockford Auburn. For the varsity, it was the second title in three years; the JVs made it three in a row. Meanwhile, the Huskies bounced back in basketball with a pulsating 57-50 overtime win at Belvidere North. But the Lady Huskies were edged by conference leading Hononegah, 53-48, also in overtime.
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