McHenry County09/10/2010

McHenry County e-News
A message from the Chairman... 
 
Ken Koehler
 County Board Chairman
McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler

Dear McHenry County Resident,

 

The unlawful usage of alcohol by teenagers is a growing concern in McHenry County. In 2008, the Illinois Youth Survey showed that more than half of high school seniors in the County drank alcohol. Other studies have shown that teenagers are less likely to drink when their parents make known that they disapprove of underage drinking.

 

The County Board recently passed a resolution in support of the McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force's efforts to partner with parents to engage teens in strategies that mitigate the problem of underage drinking.The McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force will pull together leadership from education, law enforcement, and public health to develop an action plan to combat this issue.

 

I cordially invite you to the "kick-off" meeting of McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force on Monday, September 20th at 9:00 A.M. in Conference Room A of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Rd., in Woodstock.

 

Through our consolidated efforts we can have a positive effect on the lives of young people and the choices that they make!

 

Sincerely,

 

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

Save the Date

 

Illinois Route 47 Public Meeting

Wednesday, September 15 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Challenger Learning Center, 222 Church Street in Woodstock

Click here for more information

 

McHenry Township TOUCH-A-TRUCK 2010 

Saturday, September 18 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
McHenry Township Park
Come see the McHenry County Sheriff's Office MARV!
Click here form more information
 
McHenry County Sheriff Car Seat Safety Check
Saturday, September 25 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
At Centegra in Woodstock on Route 14
 
Care 4 Breast Cancer
Sunday, October 24 - 8:30 am
Woodstock North High School
Click here for more information
 
"Housing McHenry County" Forum 
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Hosted by the McHenry County Community Development Division
County Road Construction Projects Update
 

Alden Road Bridge - Stage II construction is proceeding with work on the east side of the bridge and roadway, including storm sewer and roadway base course to be followed by curb & gutter and sidewalks. Although some time has been lost due to weather and the labor strike, the project is still currently expected to be completed in November of 2010.

 

Chapel Hill Road Resurfacing - The final surface course was completed on August 23rd. The project is complete except for the pavement markings.  The status of the pavement markings is uncertain at this time due to a national shortage of the pavement paints and thermoplastic materials used for pavement markings.

 

Walkup Road - Stage I construction is continuing with excavation for the pavement widening along the west edge of pavement. Utility conflict delays are nearly resolved at this time allowing the contractor to resume storm sewer construction. Two delays have impacted this project including a 3 week labor strike and about 3 weeks of lost time due to unresolved utility conflicts. The contractor is requesting additional working hours and plans to make every effort to complete the project on time. For more information, click

here.

 

To view a County road construction interactive map for other road projects, click here.
Community Development Division News
 
 

NOFA - RE-ALLOCATION OF HOME INVESTMENT

PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM FUNDS

YEARS 2007-2009

McHENRY COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

  

The McHenry County Community Development Division is hereby issuing notice that the County plans to have an immediate allocation of funds from HOME Program grant years 2007-2009 available for re-allocation and expenditure.  Two public meetings had been held September 1 and 8, 2010 as related to this availability.  The anticipated amount available will be $300,000.00-$500,000.00.  This total is pending McHenry County Board approval of de-obligation and re-allocation of funds and is subject to change.

               

Please contact the Community Development Division Coordinator at 815-334-4560 or via e-mail at McHenryCountyComDev@co.mchenry.il.us for details related to the allocation and application submittal requirements.  Due to the need for immediate allocation, all applications will be due by 4:30PM on September 24, 2010.  Project proposals will be held during a joint special public meeting of the Community Development Block Grant and Housing Commissions to be formally scheduled the week of October 4, 2010.

 
 
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2011 McHenry County HUD Annual Action Plan Public Hearings

 

Tuesday, September 21st 8:30AM Conference Room A

Wednesday, September 22nd at 8:15AM Conference Room B

 

The draft of the plan will be available September 15, 2010 online or in person at the Planning and Development office.  Please contact the Division for more details. Written comments may be submitted in person, via-mail or via e-mail to McHenryCountyComDev@co.mchenry.il.us to the attention of the Community Development Administrator, Community Development Division, McHenry County Department of Planning and Development.  All comments must include name and address.

Have Unused Medication in Your Home?
 
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)  is sponsoring a prescription drug "Take-Back" initiative to collect potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction on Saturday, September 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in various locations throughout Chicagoland. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
 
The following are locations around McHenry County:
 

Algonquin Police Department

2200 Harnish Drive

Algonquin, IL

 

Huntley Police Department

10911 Main street

Huntley, IL

 

Johnsburg Police Department

3611 N. Chapel Hill Road

Johnsburg, IL

 

Spring Grove Police Department

7401 Meyer Road

Spring Grove, IL

 

Woodstock Police Department

656 Lake Avenue

Woodstock, IL

 
Click here to find drop-off sites.
 
September 14, 2010 is Protect Your Groundwater Day!
 
Did you know that all water systems in McHenry County rely on groundwater to serve their customers?  Public water systems in McHenry County are fed by large diameter, shallow and deep water wells.  These public systems serve large populations through a pressurized water distribution system.  In areas where public water is not available, you'll find private wells.  Private wells are often served by shallower groundwater sources than public water systems.  They are also much smaller in diameter and generally serve just one property.  If you own a private water well, you actually own and operate your own water system.  
 
This being said, everyone can (and should) play a role in protecting our groundwater. We all have a stake in maintaining its quality and quantity.  Did you know...
  • 100% of McHenry County relies on groundwater resources for water. 
  • Most surface water bodies are connected to groundwater.  So, how you impact surface waters can affect our groundwater.
  • By properly disposing, or recycling, household hazardous waste we reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.  Look for the McHenry County Green Guide for more information.
  • Many new toilets and water fixtures use much less water than older units. Look into high efficiency toilets or water saving fixtures when your current fixtures need replacement.
  • Groundwater is being "mined" from the ground in our county.  That means that the water we pull from the ground is being pumped out faster than it can be replenished.  Water conservation assists in slowing this mining process.
  • Water conservation matters!  Research ways to reduce water usein and around your property.  Start by repairing any leaks!
 
Please visit us at the McHenry County Health Department (2200 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, IL - Annex A) during the month of September to pick-up free private well maintenance and private water well sampling information.  Water well professionals recommend sampling private wells on an annual basis for coliform bacteria and nitrates.  So, be sure to ask about our private well sample kits.  Sampling is cheap and it's the easiest thing you can do to monitor the safety of the water that serves your home. 
 
Are you served by a public water system?  If so, you can visit your municipality's website to review the 2010 drinking water quality report.  If you can't find the report online, contact your local water department.
 
Please take a few moments to visit the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) at www.ngwa.org  and the McHenry County Water Resources website at www.mchenryh2o.com or the McHenry County Health Department at http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/Pages/EHindex.aspx for more information on how you can protect our precious groundwater resources.
 
This information has been provided by the National Ground Water Association and the McHenry County Division of Water Resources.
 
McHenry County Department of Health Update
 
FLU CLINICS

As we approach the fall season, now is the time to get your annual flu shot. This year's theme is "the flu ends with U".  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older.  McHenry County Dept of Health (MCDH) is taking appointments beginning September 8th for its flu clinics (online at www.mcdh.info, by phone 815-334-4510). The cost is $30 with Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.  Dates/locations are as follows:

 

·         Wed. 9/22 - 2pm-6pm; MCDH office, 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock

·         Mon. 9/27 - 2pm-6pm; Algonquin Township Office,  Crystal Lake

·         Wed. 9/29 - 2pm-6pm; MCDH office, 100 N Virginia Street, Crystal Lake

·         Mon. 10/4 - 2pm-6pm; McHenry Township office, Johnsburg

 

Anyone can get the flu - even healthy people - but certain people are at greater risk for serious complications, causing hospitalization and even death, such as persons over 50 years of age, pregnant women, children 6 months of age and older and those individuals with chronic medical conditions.

 

Flu is a serious and contagious illness. Yearly flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and those around you such as family  members, friends and co-workers. To reduce spreading the flu remember to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home when you're sick.  For more information, visit www.mcdh.info or call 815-334-4510.

 

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ANIMAL CONTROL SEPTEMBER ADOPTION FESTIVALS

McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center will host adoption fests in September at its Crystal Lake location, 100 N Virginia Street. You can stop by one of the adoption fests planned with area vendors or schedule an appointment for your pet's microchip or rabies vaccination.

·         Adoption Fests

o    Wednesdays from 11am-6pm on 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29

·         Microchip, rabies appointments

o    Tuesdays from 10am-11am on 9/14, 9/21, 9/28

o    Wednesday 9/8 (11am-12pm); 9/15 (3pm-4pm); 9/29 (5pm-6pm)

 

Adoption fees are $80; includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming, free 1st veterinarian visit and discounted grooming. Visit www.mcdh.info, click on Animal Control, to view available pets or call 815-459-6222.

 

 
In This Issue
Save the Date
Road Construction
Community Development
Unused Medication
Protect Your Groundwater
Health Update

McHenry County Employment Opportunities 

Click here!
 

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