Hopes rise State of the Union Address signals relief from unfair foreign competition

Rick Gelscheit, the owner of Fox Lake, IL, based Bruin Brake Cables, is hoping the State of the Union Address signals relief for companies, such as his, from unfair foreign competition.

Fox Lake, IL, Jan. 21, 2015 – Rick Gelscheit, owner of Fox Lake, IL, based Bruin Brake Cables, listened to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address Tuesday night with particular interest when the president discussed possible measures to protect small American businesses from unfair Chinese competition in the marketplace. While the president’s words on the matter were reassuring, Gelscheit is taking a wait-and-see attitude; he’s heard that kind of rhetoric before … (read more).

A McHenry County horse-and-buggy holiday

Mother surveyed the boxes of presents on the table, as well as a basket with cookies and pie. Out the window, as the darkness gave way to early morning light, she could see Father leading Sunshine, their Arabian mare, from the stable as the white-and-speckled horse pulled the buggy behind her … (read more).

http://niwservice.com/Blog.php?id=343259511503156134

Over the years, fewer and fewer homes are decorating with Christmas lights this time of year. Frankly, it’s a hassle. You have to climb into the attic and dig the lights and decorations out from where you stored them last year, if you put them up last year at all. You have to pull the ladder out of the garage and climb around the house trying not to fall. You hate to join those who have stopped putting up their lights but there must be a better way … (read more).

815-385-6646

You and your pipes are liable to groan if your Spring Grove well isn’t maintained

You turn the faucet at your Spring Grove home and the pipes bang a bit and groan. Finally, a trickle of brownish water drips from your shower head. This is not what you would call good news when your head is full of lather … (read more).

What’s in a quality auto repair and maintenance shop?

Choosing the right auto repair shop is essential.

You don’t want to bring your car just anywhere for auto repairs and maintenance. You want an auto repair shop you can trust. And, by trust, that means you can trust that they have the expertise and equipment to do the job right. But, trust also means that you know they’ll be looking out for your best interests, as opposed to ‘how much they can get out of you’ … (read more).

Shop With A Cop party Thursday at McHenry VFW – a good time that benefits area children

Johnsburg and McHenry High School Madrigal Choirs will do a holiday sing off dressed for the Victorian Era. Table after table will provide a plethora of raffle items, silent auction items, live auction items – and then there’s the food and the fun. Anyway you look at it, the 8th Annual Shop With A Cop networking fundraiser is a party you don’t want to miss.
“We’ve raised close to $15,000 each year for McHenry County Police Charities Shop With A Cop program,” said Wayne Seely, the president of MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group that sponsors the Thursday, Nov. 20, fundraiser party. “And we have one heck of a good time doing it.”
The fun starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. at the McHenry VFW – on the north side of Route 120 a little east of the Fox River. There is no cost to attend. Funds are raised through contributions and through auction and raffle entries at the party.
With the money raised at the event, area police officers will pick deserving children up at their homes. A short ride in the squad car will bring the officer and child to an area store where each child receives a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots, along with $150 for holiday shopping.
“One of the great things I’ve heard about this is that the police officers often have to remind the children to buy something for themselves,” said Seely, who owns and operates Visual Horizons, an area Web and search engine optimization company. “The children are focused on buying presents for their family.”
After shopping, the police officers take the children out for breakfast. While they dine, members of MC3, and other volunteers, wrap the presents.

For information, call Mike Kutnick at 815-363-8600.

Cold weather can leave tires flat: child benefit can pick you right up

With the unexpectedly early arrival of really cold weather, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your tires. Many cars have aluminum alloy wheels these days. Cold weather can cause leaks when tires are matched with aluminum wheels …

Only 9 days left until Shop With A Cop fundraiser

From 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, there is a must-attend party at the McHenry VFW – just east of the Fox River on the north side of Route 120. The event is free to attend and will raise money so that area police officers can take deserving children for a one-on-one shopping experience … (read more).