Klutzo the Clown looking for a new name
With his name tarnished last year by an unfortunate case of mistaken identity, Algonquin's Klutzo the Clown now wants a new persona.
And he needs help from local children.
The Algonquin Lions Club, in conjunction with Rosen Hyundai of Algonquin, is holding a naming contest open to all local students between kindergarten and third grade. The dealership will furnish the winner with a $1,000 savings bond.
Kids in this grade range are perfect for the competition, as they'll take it more seriously than older students would, Lions Club President Jerry Glogowski said.
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Moreover, the contest, which occurs outside of school hours, is a unique way for children to interact with their families, said Darlene Warner, principal of Neubert Elementary School.
Once the entries come in, a clown committee composed of four Lions Club members -- including Glogowski -- and one dealership employee will in March review the forms and pick a new name for Klutzo.
Final say goes to Jerry Kautz, the Algonquin man behind the clown's makeup and floppy shoes for the past 24 years.
You may have seen Kautz, also the village's longtime clerk, perform during past Algonquin Founders Days and national Night Out celebrations.
He's also taken his magic tricks and puppets on the road for charity, bringing cheer to people in local hospitals and nursing homes.
"He's like a goodwill ambassador," Glogowski said.
But in October, Klutzo the Clown made national news when federal agents busted a Springfield man -- who also used the name Klutzo -- on child pornography charges.
Amon Paul Carlock, 57, was charged with possessing child pornography and traveling overseas to engage in sexual contact with a minor. He died a month later.
Yet some people mistakenly thought Kautz was affiliated with that Klutzo and sent him hate mail and death threats, forcing him to seriously consider retiring.
Kautz, 66, has not performed as Klutzo since the story broke and days later pulled the site that promoted the clown in cyberspace.
"I've never seen him so depressed," Glogowski said.
But with support from his family and friends, it's time for Kautz to send in the clown once again.
While the new joker will don different costumes and wigs and be patterned after its new name, Kautz says it'll still have some of Klutzo's traits.
"Why should I give up clowning because of this guy down there even though he destroyed my persona?," Kautz said. "Let's give back and get the community and get kids involved."
Besides, a new identity for the clown means a fresh start for everyone, Kautz said.
Just clowning around
What: A naming contest for Algonquin's Klutzo the Clown. It's open to local students from kindergarten through third grade. The Algonquin Lions Club and Rosen Hyundai of Algonquin are sponsors.
When: The contest starts Friday and runs to Feb. 29. Forms must be postmarked by Feb. 29 if you're mailing them in. The deadline is March 1 if you drop them off at the dealership.
How: Kids should receive entry forms in school this week. You also can pick them up at the car dealership, 771 S. Randall Road. Parents need to grant permission by signing the form before it's turned in.
Where to send the forms: You can mail them in or, for a chance to secure a $250 coupon book, drop them off at the dealership. Mail them to: Algonquin Lions Club, PO Box 7493, Algonquin IL 60102.
Prize: The winner will receive a $1,000 savings bond from the dealership.
Info: Call Jerry Glogowski, the Lions Club president, at (847) 458-1639.