Another chapter comes to an end -- hopefully

The recent issuing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency of its findings about the now infamous Land and Lakes landfill site along Milwaukee Avenue should bring to a close another stretch in the ride of recalled trustee Lisa Stone.

                The keyword here is should.

                While no one can diminish concerns about environmental issues, when they become a mere personal crusade it take away from the issue and processes in place.  The IEPA held a public hearing in November 2010 and released its findings last week.  Its findings revealed that the landfill is not an environmental danger and steps can begin for its complete closure and development by the village.

                Case closed.

                In its coverage, the Daily Herald cites a news release sent out by Stone in which she says, again, according to reports in the Daily Herald that “We can't let this potential time bomb sit there. We need to make sure that the area is clean, that there are no toxic substances polluting the ground and water of current residents and future generations.”

                If Stone knows for a fact that the site is a “potential time bomb,” then she needs to reveal her sources – professional and valid sources.  If not, she is not fulfilling her fiduciary responsibility as a concerned citizen. If she the information while on the board, then she needed to reveal it.  Instead, she ridiculed her colleagues and village staff for not doing their jobs.  

                So now the state EPA has spoken and still Stone does not appear satisfied with the findings.  In a post on AOL’s Patch, Stone says it’s “Up to You” – meaning Buffalo Grove residents – to read the information she has provided and get involved.

                We’ve been down this road before.  Stone tossed out information wanting people to see the wrongs in the village and follow her lead.  Most didn’t, and in November of 2010 most said enough was enough.

                Stone still contends that, according to her Patch post, "Those in power often recruit their minions to maintain the status quo and stay in office with no regard for what is best for the general public.”

                In the last village election there were two contested contests; one for village clerk and one for a trustee spot.  No one was “recruited” – and no one else came out to run.

                Those who ran did so because of an interest in what was happening in the village.   No one recruited Rob Sherman to run for Village Clerk and no one recruited Andy Stein or Denise Bocek to run.  There were no minions behind them – just a concern, for the most part, to serve the community.

                Everyone knows that.

                Even a Cree Indian.

Beyond the goofiness..

It continues to amaze me just what people call the police department for, which is why I started posting monthly summaries from the police report.

Clearly some people are hopeless -- or helpless -- I haven't decided.

There is, however, another side to the police reports.  Public service reminders.

Each police report includes a list of scams that people are trying to pull on residents.

For example, ruse burglaries -- Quite simply, A ‘ruse burglary’ is a crime in which someone distracts the homeowner while a second person enters the home and looks for things to steal.  Now you may be thinking -- why would anyone let a stranger in their house under the ruse  (hence the name, ruse burglary) that they were doing work outside and needed to check something inside.  Bottom line -- if it looks strange, it probably is -- don't take the chance.

The same holds true for people calling claiming you are needed for jury duty.  According to police reports "The caller claims to be a jury DUTY coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the Scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and Bingo, your identity was just stolen." Bottom line -- if its sounds strange, it probably is -- don't take the chance.

So here's what the police suggest you do -- as taken from the police report:

•  Do not let anyone into your home that you do not know or does not have an appointment 
•  Do not give any personal information to someone at your door or on the phone. Your bank will never call or send an email asking for personal information. 
• Do not send money to someone who says you are the beneficiary of a man in Nigeria … or a serviceman in the Middle East. No one is going to send you six or seven or eight million dollars. If I had all of the millions that were promised to me through emails, I would be able to pay off Illinois’ 15 billion dollar debt. 
•  Do not send money to someone who calls and says he is your grandson in jail in Guatemala (or anywhere else in the world). 
• If you have doubts about a call or visit, or if you want to report a scam, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

 There are other scams that unfortunately the police have not addressed yet. For example:

• If someone calls and offers a chance to get in touch with your inner self  through regular tranquility by becoming a Village Board member – it’s a scam.
• If you are offered free tickets to an exciting night at a school board meeting – it’s scam.
• If someone gives you a chance to be part of the next Rob Sherman Bible revival followed by a pig roast, it’s a scam.

And finally, the most serious scam facing the community comes in the form of either an email or phone call in which the recipient is guaranteed a solid and stable business opportunity in athletics by becoming general manager of the Chicago Bears – needless to say, it’s a scam.

So hey, let's be careful out there.

And hey, let's be careful out there..

There are six million stories in the naked city – these are a few of them as reported in the Buffalo Grove Police report.

Playground is not an option

Officer was advised of a male subject sitting under the playground equipment. Officer located the youth who told the officer that he opted not to go to school today. The school and the boy’s mother were notified and the boy was given a ride home. 

The ex factor, part 1

Resident reported the he broke up a long standing relationship and has found that the ex girlfriend’s son has posted comments about the resident on the Internet. Officer reviewed the comments and did not find them threatening. 

The ex factor, part 2

Resident reported that her estranged husband is sending her text messages in violation of an order of protection. The order was verified and the officer contacted the husband. The husband admitted to sending the messages but would not meet with the officer. 

The rain is Tess, the fire’s Joe..and the call the wind chime Mariah.

Resident reported receiving a letter from her homeowner’s association requesting that she remove a wind chime from her patio. The following day, the resident found the wind chime lying on the ground. The officer suggested that the strong winds may have blown the chime to the ground. 

Huh?

Resident reported that his neighbor plays music too loud. Officer spoke with the neighbor who stated that he had been sleeping and the resident’s children woke him up so he turned his TV up louder than usual. The neighbor agreed that his actions were inappropriate and agreed to discuss the issues with the resident. 

Huh?  No. 2

Resident reported that a neighbor opened a door with such force that his right wrist was injured. When offered medical assistance from the paramedics, the resident refused stating that he will seek advice from his attorney first. 

Probably a good idea…

Resident reported that a male subject, with whom his wife is having an affair, came to the house and knocked on the door. The resident requested the officer contact the subject and advise him not to return to the house. Officer called and passed the message on. 

Some performance review…

Complainant stated that her work supervisor asked for her to meet him in the parking lot. There the supervisor asked the complainant to sit in his car which she did. The supervisor then pinned her down and kissed her without her consent. This occurred on one other occasion. Officer spoke with the supervisor who stated that the kissing was consensual and that he at no time forced or pinned her. No complaints to be signed. 

Huh?  No. 3

Motorist stated that he made a right turn on red and the vehicle that was then behind him changed lanes, passed the motorist and then cut in front of him. The motorist wanted the incident documented but did not want the offender cited. No phone number could be located for the registered owner of the offending vehicle.

Postage due?

Resident reported that someone unknown placed an empty vodka bottle into his mailbox. This is the second incident in the past week. 

But did he look in the mailbox?

Store manager stated that he believes a female subject concealed a bottle of vodka under her coat and left the store without paying. When the manager confronted her while she was sitting in a vehicle, the subject stated that she left the bottle in the store. The subject opened her coat to show the manager that there was no bottle. The manager feels the bottle may have been somewhere in the van. 

Must be opening a branch office..

Resident stated that her son observed their neighbor pick up tree branches in her yard and then throw them into the resident’s yard. Due to continued friction between the resident and her neighbor, she wanted the incident documented. Officer went to the neighbor’s home but no one answered the door. 

So much for a holiday bonus

Manager reported that he terminated an employee and that employee became upset and was yelling. Officer spoke with the employee and advised him not to return to the station. The employee stated that he would consult an attorney. 

Never had this problem when Ed McMahon handled the checks…

Resident received a call from a male subject claiming to be from the Publisher’s Clearing House and told the resident that she had won a large amount of money but needed to pay the caller $125.00 for the IRS processing fee. The resident hung up. Officer reminded the resident that legitimate companies do not make anyone pay fees before a prize is given. 

Jack LaLanne he’s not…

Officers responded to a male and female subject in a heated discussion. The female stated that the male was working out and stretching in an offensive manner, and she believed that he may be consuming alcohol from a green bottle. Officer spoke with the male who apologized for disturbing someone and stated that the green bottle was mineral water purchased in the Fitness Center. 

Well what do you expect, he had been at a Bears game..

Store official reported an intoxicated subject lying on the floor between the entrance doors. Officer spoke to the subject who stated that he had been to the Bears game with a friend, came back to the friend’s house and then decided to walk home to Wauconda

The ex factor, part 3

Employee stated that when she checked her voicemail at work, she found two voice messages from her boyfriend’s ex girlfriend. The messages were insulting and threatening. Officer attempted to contact the ex and left a message for her to stop contact and to call the officer to discuss the issue

Huh?  No. 4

Resident reported that she and her husband were awoken by someone ringing their doorbell at 1:30am. It was too dark outside to see anyone. 

Talk about the holiday spirit..

Resident stated that a neighbor threatened him while he was out walking his dog, because the dog had sniffed some miniature Christmas trees. The resident felt that threats of homicide were a bit excessive and requested officers speak with the neighbor. Officer spoke with the neighbor telling him that homicide was not an appropriate response at any time much less on Christmas day. The neighbor apologized and agreed to call the police the next time he has a problem with someone.

This is just wrong…

Resident reported that unknown subjects rang his doorbell and when he answered found two baby Jesus figures on his doorstep. Officer retrieved the figures and found contact information on the bottom. The owners will be contacted. 

The ex factor, part 4

Resident stated that her ex fiancé has been calling, texting and otherwise harassing her. The ex’s phone number has been blocked and the resident was given instructions on obtaining an order of protection. The resident did not want the officer to make contact with the ex at this time. 

Huh? No. 5

Resident reported a female subject that was having difficulty parking her vehicle. Officer located the car with the subject passed out in the front seat. Officer was able to get the subject’s attention and have her go inside to her apartment. The car was not running and the keys were not in the ignition. 

And finally…

A little boy asked his grandpa if raindeer(sic) really can fly?  Grandpa answered yes, but they have a difficult time making it through security. (Three notes – 1.  It’s reindeer, 2. Reindeer can get through security if they have premier exec.status and 3.  The writer of the police report has too much time on his/her hands…)