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Thujrsdqy, September 30,1999
The HimtleY Farms
A Press Publications newspaper ar serving the Huntley community
Volume 29, Issue 39
Former library to be auctioned
Tim Anderson
Press Publications
Now that staff and patrons are comfortably settled in at the new, larger facility, the Huntley Library Board has decided to move ahead with the sale of its old building.
A public auction will be held Saturday, Nov. 20, at the old building, 11620 Algonquin Road. The board decided last week to sell the 1.1-acre properly instead of leasing it.
"The biggest reason we didn't want to lease the facility was that we didn't want to be in the business of being land¬ lords," Library Board Presi¬ dent Michael Fleck said. "We want to concentrate on the new library."
Before the board's decision Sept. 23, the library and Park District had discussed the possibility of some kind of lease agreement between the two governmental bodies, Bleck said.
Meek said library officials have determined what they believe the old property is worth, although they are not publicly releasing those fig¬ ures in advance ofthe auction.
If the auction bids do no meet the board's expectations. Fleck said, the bids do not have to be accepted.
Money fi'om a successful auction sale could be used to purchase books and to create new programs at the recently opened facility, at 11000 Ruth Road, Fleck said. In addition, ¦   LIBRARY, Page 2
Developer's suit to move forward
A McHenry County judge ruled last week that The Prime Group Inc,*s law$yit against the village of Hunt¬ le and a competing de¬ veloper ean move forward.
Judge Michael Sullivan ruled against a defense motion reijuesting the <Jismissal of the suit against the village^ Huntley Investments LLC* and Floyd and Margaret Dren¬ del.
"We are pleased that the Circuit Court of McHeniy Counly rejected the motion to dismiss,^ thus allowing us to proceed with the case," said Gary Skoien, executive vice president and CEO of The Prime Group Inc.
The suit revolves around a 200-«ere piece ol property
on Route 47 near Del Webb's Sun City» The Ptfeae Orout> inc/s lawsuit claims that the vUlage im¬ properly rezoned the property commercial (frt)m agricultural) for developer Joseph Buralli (Huntley investments LLC).
"While the court has not ruled on the merits of the case, it clearly believes they are of enough sign¬ ificance to merit a full trial," Skoien said.
Buralli is planning to open a Del Webb adminis¬ tration building, a medical center^ a bank and other businesses at the site. The Prime Group owns, among otiier things, the nearby mail Prime Outlet of Hunt¬ ley.
Powder Puff victory
Members of the Huntley Senior-Freshman team (from left) Amy Galvez, Keli Brooks, Krista Jurs, Cherie Coots, Nicole Ottoiino, Veronica Fitzsimmons and (front) Tiffany Hawks celebrate their victory on Sunday. The team won the third annual Powder Puff Football game, defeating the Junior-Sophomore team 14-8 at the new football field at the Harmony Road Campus. The game kicked off the school's week-long homecoming celebration. For more photos, see Page 22.
Schools purchase Star Lab
Tim Anderson
Press Publications
Starting next week, the stars will be out any time of the day for teachers and stu¬ dents in Huntley School Dis¬ trict 158.
Star Lab, an inflatable, mini- planetarium that has been rented by the district in the past for special lesson and events, will soon become a permanent fixture and part of the district's curriculum.
The lab was purchased thanks to fundraising efforts by parents through two vol¬ unteer groups, the PTA and Citizen Action for Responsible Education, along with grant money. The district is plan¬
ning a special event to wel¬ come the Star Lab on Oct. 6.
Local officials and media outlets along with District 158 students are expected to at¬ tend the event and tour the Star Lab.
Diane Ayers, public- information officer for District 158, said the Star Lab will provide teachers with a unique opportunity and en¬ vironment to teach astronomy and meteorology.
Peggy Worst, who is being dubbed the "commander" of the Star Lab, will help organ¬ ize instruction that takes place in the new lab.
As of earlier this week, Dis¬ trict 158 officials were not sure where the Star Lab would be placed, although its
most likely destination is Huntley South Elementary School.
The lab's portability will al¬ low it to be utilized at all Dis¬ trict 158 campuses, Ayers said.
"As our district grows, and if we get more campuses, it will be nice to know that the Star Lab can move from school to school," Ayers said.
Huntley South Elementary School Principal Chris McDermott said the addition of the Star Lab represents what good can come from schools and the community working together.
"It is important to have a strong partnership with par¬ ents   and   teachers   working ¦   STAR, Page 2