Village puts smile back on clown's face

Village clerk and devastated clown Jerry Kautz thanked the Algonquin community Tuesday night for its support during one of the least laughable points of his life.

"I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received," Kautz said at Tuesday night's village board meeting, the first since a Springfield man who also uses the clown name "Klutzo" was charged with sex crimes involving children.

"This is not only from the Chicago area but also across the county. Folks, from just ordinary citizens to fellow public officials to professional clowns and their families. … I'm truly touched," he said.

Last week, Internet users mistook Kautz, who operated the Web site klutzo.com, for the other Klutzo. He was greeted by scores of "vile e-mails and blog sites accusing my Klutzo of unspeakable acts toward children."

Because of the Algonquin community's efforts to restore his name, Kautz has decided not to hang up his red nose or giant shoes after all.

Though Kautz has chosen to part with the name "Klutzo," clowning is still in his blood. "I can not or should not give it up," he said.

He plans to involve the Algonquin community in the new naming process.