Sheriff does an about-face in state's attorney endorsement
If you asked McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren about Dan Regna a few years ago, you were likely to get an earful.
The sheriff was firmly backing Lou Bianchi for McHenry County state's attorney and he was none too happy with a young prosecutor named Regna who had the audacity to distribute a letter of support for Bianchi's rival to sheriff's deputies at sheriff's headquarters.
Much has changed.
Nygren's announcement Thursday that he's now backing Regna over the man he helped put in office likely will have even casual voters wondering what's up.
Nygren wouldn't articulate specifics. "In life we're presented with choices. It's important we choose the best choice for our department. I think the best choice for our department and the community is Dan Regna. Setting friendship aside and past context aside, what's the best choice? It's Dan, in my opinion."
True blue backing
Nygren was one of many law enforcement backers to attend a "wall to wall" turnout for Regna at Finn McCool's in Crystal Lake on Wednesday night. He did say it was clear from law enforcement officers there that they feel there needs to be a change.
Bianchi contends that most police leaders and rank-and-file officers support him.
But the sheriff's announcement, multiple police union endorsements and a letter from the McHenry Chiefs of Police Association making it clear the chiefs aren't taking sides doesn't seem to leave a lot of law enforcement backing for anyone else.
Will Nygren's endorsement hurt Bianchi? That's up to you McHenry County voters.
Black and blue, too
Regna, by the way, is apparently not afraid of a fight. The sheriff's department awarded him the "Dick Butkus" award after he tackled a prisoner attempting escape from a courtroom during a case. "He knocked him halfway to heaven," Nygren said. "Not only did he prosecute the case, but he did a nice body slam on the guy."
State lunch
The village of East Dundee hosts a "State of the Government" luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Dundee Township Park District Senior Center. East Dundee Trustee Michael Ruffulo tells me you Dundee Township seniors are all invited to hear of the state of your village from village presidents Bill Sarto of Carpentersville, Stephen Pickett of Sleepy Hollow, Dan O'Leary of East Dundee and Larry Keller of West Dundee as well as Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay. Thanks to host East Dundee, there is such a thing as a free lunch!
Happy trails!
It's an extra special TGIF for East Dundee chief records clerk extraordinaire Debbie Rupnik today as she retires after 15 years serving the village. The lady who knows everyone is sure going to be missed. Enjoy every minute, Deb!