A message from the Chairman...
Ken Koehler
County Board Chairman  |
Dear McHenry County Resident,
The Rakow Road Construction Project between Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills was recently approved for letting (plans are out for bid) by the Illinois Department of Transportation and construction is slated to commence in early 2011. The project, which will add additional lanes throughout this vital east-west corridor connecting IL-31 to Randall Road, will span the 2011 and 2012 construction seasons.
At an estimated $35 million, Rakow Road is the highest single value contract that the McHenry County Division of Transportation has ever undertaken and this project's success is the result of the cooperation and commitment we have received from multiple local governments, local agencies, and especially Congressman Don Manzullo through securing federal funds to assist with this project.
Changes to Rakow Road will include: increasing the lanes from two to six from Ackman to Pyott Rd. and from two to four lanes from Pyott Rd. to IL-31. Other Changes include noise wall construction and a bicycle path bridge. I look forward to the successful completion of construction in 2012 on a project that will make a huge impact on the daily lives of the residents of McHenry County who travel through this area each and every day.
Sincerely,
Kenneth D. Koehler
County Board Chairman
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Trail of History (McHenry County Conservation District)
Saturday & Sunday, October 16 & 17 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, IL
Click here for more information
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 |
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McHenry County on Social Networks
McHenry County is active on social networks! You can become a "fan" or "follow" McHenry County, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office, and the McHenry County Department of Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Nixle. Get the latest County updates on news, alerts, and events. Donot forget to tell your friends and family to sign-up as well!!!
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McHenry County Sheriff's Office (MCSO):
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Sign up for MCSO Nixle text alerts: Click here
McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH):
Become a "fan" of MCDH on Facebook:
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Sign-up for MCDH Nixle text alerts: The MCDH is in the process of developing their Nixle page and should be available soon!
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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 curb & gutter, sidewalks and driveways this week, to be followed by roadway paving. The Stage II (east side) bridge deck and approach slabs are poured now to be followed by the bridge rail. Stage II is expected to be complete in about two weeks allowing the temporary traffic signals to be removed from the bridge, and the start of Stage III. That being the construction of curb & gutter, sidewalks and driveways on the west side. 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.
Walkup Road - Stage I construction is continuing with excavation for the pavement widening and curb & gutter, now along the east edge of pavement from south of Edgewood Drive to south of Crystal Springs Road. Traffic is now using the new pavement widening on the west side from south of Edgewood Road to Live Oak Road. Utility conflict delays are 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 utilizing additional working hours and plans to make every effort to complete the project on time. For more information, click here.
Harmony Road Resurfacing - Milling started on Wednesday of this week and is expected to be completed early next week, to be followed immediately by paving. The resurfacing of this four-mile stretch of Harmony Road west of I-90 is expected to be complete by October 29.
To view a County road construction interactive map for other road projects, click here. |
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McHenry County Department of Health Update
ANIMAL CONTROL
"Adopt-a-shelter-dog Month"
By adopting a shelter dog, you not only give them a second chance, you will also have a lifelong companion that will bring years of love and devotion. Many dogs end up in shelters because of circumstances beyond their control and are healthy, affectionate animals. The staff at Animal Control can help you find your new best friend: Click here.
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PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES
McHenry County Department of Health is offering a cardiovascular screening on Saturday, October 23, from 7:30am-11:30am, at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia Street. The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment. Appointments are necessary. The cost is $35.00.
Heart disease and stroke are the 1st and 3rd leading causes of death, respectively, in Illinois - killing 5 people every hour, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Age, gender and family history are risk factors beyond our control. However, we can change high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking (including second-hand smoke), diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and poor nutrition. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Call 815-334-4536 for an appointment. |
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Motorists and Farmers Share the Road
As harvest season progresses throughout the state, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are reminding motorists that farm equipment traffic on roadways will drastically increase over the next several weeks.
"I'm asking for the patience and understanding of motorists during the harvest season," Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. "It's very important that motorists be alert for slow-moving farm vehicles and share the roadway until the harvest is complete."
Last year, six people were killed and 95 injured in 198 accidents involving cars and farm equipment. The past five years (2005-2009), there have been 1,166 such crashes on Illinois roads, resulting in 21 deaths and 412 injuries. Studies show that left-turn, rear-end and passing collisions are the most common types of accidents involving motorists and farm machinery.
"Harvest is one of the busiest times of year for traffic on rural roads and, unfortunately, we see the number of crashes between motor vehicles and farm equipment peak during this time," IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig said. "We want to encourage all motorists to drive cautiously and to be alert for slow-moving vehicles and farm equipment on rural roadways."
Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe this harvest season:
- Pay attention and don't drive distracted.
- Slow down when encountering slow moving vehicles.
- Pass with extreme caution.
- Allow extra room when following farm equipment.
- Be patient. A farmer can't always move over to let motorists pass.
- If you can't see the driver, the driver can't see you. Farm machinery operators may not be able to see you because the large equipment or a load can block part of their rear view.
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October is Crime Prevention Month
Watch for Scams
Sheriff Keith Nygren would like to inform the residents of McHenry County of some recent "scams" that have been occurring in McHenry County to help deter others from being victims as well. There are two common groups which are called "Self Proclaimed Criminal Travelers" and "Self Proclaimed Criminal Gypsies". Both groups knock at your door, say that they were driving by, and noticed that their driveway or roof needs work. One person will commonly go to the door and distract the victim. While at the front door they may ask for more money, water, or something inside the residence, or distract the victim to come outside. Once the victim is distracted, co-offenders will go into the residence and search for valuables or USC. Frequently these groups target residents who are elderly...Read more
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Neighborhood Watch Program
Consider forming a neighborhood watch program on your block! In essence, Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that stresses education and common sense. It teaches citizens how to help themselves by identifying and reporting suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. In addition, it provides citizens with the opportunity to make their neighborhoods safer and improve the quality of life. Neighborhood Watch groups typically focus on observation and awareness as a means of preventing crime and employ strategies that range from simply promoting social interaction and "watching out for each other" to active patrols by groups of citizens. Click here to learn more about starting a Neighborhood Watch!
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Groundwater and Lawn Care
 Did you know that in the United States, landscape irrigation accounts for almost half of residential water use in the summer? Or that a lawn sprinkler spraying five gallons per minute uses 50% more water in one hour than ten toilet flushes, two 5-minute showers, two dishwasher loads and a full load of laundry? How about pesticides and fertilizers... Have you ever thought about where all the excess fertilizer goes when it rains? Or what impacts these chemicals might have when they leave your lawn?
Often, many of us aren't aware of the negative effect of our actions. Thankfully, with lawn care, these effects are pretty easy to identify and reduce. So what are the effects? First, in McHenry County, we are solely dependent on groundwater and this resource is limited. Therefore, when watering our lawns we put stress the limited groundwater resource, which can reduce our drinking water supply. Second, our groundwater resource is vulnerable to contamination, and the fertilizers and pesticides that are used on lawns and gardens can sift through the soils and reach your drinking water supply. Finally, when it rains, our surface waters can be impacted by stormwater runoff. If this stormwater runoff is carrying pesticides or fertilizers, these can impact the aquatic life within the lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands that the stormwater enters. Two impacts that can be seen are algae blooms and fish kills...Read more |
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Winter Snow and Ice Control
The McHenry County's Division of Water Resources and Division of Transportation invite you to attend a workshop on Winter Snow and Ice Control on:
- Friday, October 22nd from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm; and
- Friday, November 5th from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
The workshops will be held at McHenry County College Conference Center at 8900 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL.
As part of the registration fee, participants will receive course materials, lunch, refreshments, and have the opportunity to receive Level 1: Certification (valid for 3 years) and continuing education credits (6 PDH's).
Preregistration for this event is required (registration form). For further information, please contact Cassandra McKinney at (815)334-0309 or visit the McHenry County Water Resources website at www.mchenryh2o.com. |
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Red Ribbon Week
The McHenry County State's Attorney is pleased to announce its participation in Red Ribbon Week from October 23, 2010 through October 31, 2010.
Red Ribbon Week serves as an opportunity for local communities to rally together in support of local efforts to fight the spread and usage of illegal drugs. The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office will provide local students in grades K-8 with approximately 35,000 red ribbon bracelets so that they may show their support and personal commitment for this cause. This year's theme is "I am Drug Free". Expenses are paid for out of the drug asset forfeiture funds. Monies retained are a result of illegal narcotic sales.
On October 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., there will be a ceremony in the Grand Jury Room at the McHenry County Courthouse where select students from area schools will give presentations on how their schools are participating in Red Ribbon Week and why they believe it is important to say no to drugs. County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, a member of the Judiciary from the 22nd Circuit Court, and a representative from the Regional Office of Education are expected to join State's Attorney Louis Bianchi in attendance. The Press is invited.The Press is invited.
For more information on Red Ribbon Week, please visit: http://www.nfp.org/default.asp?PageNum=617.
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Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Workshops - Presented by the McHenry County Crisis Program [flyer]
If You Have Concerns About Yourself or Someone You Love, Please Join Us for One of the Following Presentations:
Tuesday, October 12th - Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center
7:00 PM - 10450 Algonquin Road (Conference Room)
Huntley, IL 60142
Tuesday, October 19th - Shah Center
7:00 PM - 4100 W. Shamrock Lane
McHenry, IL 60050
Tuesday, October 26th - McHenry County Admin Building
7:00 PM - 667 Ware Road (Conference Rooms B & C)
Woodstock, IL 60098
***Presentations Are Free of Charge***
For information, please call (815) 334-4021
Presented by:
McHenry County Crisis Program
Community Partners
Family Service & Community Mental Health Center
McHenry County Department of Health and Coroner's Office
Centegra Health System
McHenry County Mental Health Board |
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Early Voting Begins Monday, October 11
Early voting for the November 2nd elections begins on Monday, October 11 at various locations throughout McHenry County.
State law requires that a registered voter show valid photo identification before voting early. Voters casting an early ballot must display a current driver's license, a state-issued ID card, or another government-issued ID with a photograph.
Any voter who requests an "Early Ballot" or an "In Person Absentee Ballot" MAY NOT go to the polls on Election Day and revoke the ballot he originally requested. The law prohibits any voter who has been issued an in person absentee or early ballot from appearing at his precinct polling place and requesting another ballot.
EARLY VOTING WILL BE CONDUCTED AT:
McHenry County Administration Building
667 Ware Rd., 2nd Floor, Conference Room A
Woodstock, IL 60098
Monday, Oct 11th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday, Oct 13th, 20th and 27th
Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 23rd
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, Oct 17th and Oct 24th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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Algonquin Township Offices
3702 US Hwy 14, Clerk's Office
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Tues, Oct 12th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th and Oct 23rd
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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City of Crystal Lake
100 W Municipal Complex, Room P106
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, Oct 11th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 23rd
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, Oct 17th and Oct 24th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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Grafton Township
Huntley Park District
12015 Mill St.
Huntley, IL 60142
Tuesday, Oct 12th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th and Oct 23rd
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Village of Lake in the Hills
Lake in the Hills Village Hall
600 Harvest Gate, Executive Conference Room
(Enter thru Board Room)
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Monday, Oct 11th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 23rd
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, Oct 17th and Oct 24th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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City of McHenry
McHenry City Hall
333 S Green St, Court Entrance Only
McHenry, IL 60050
Monday, Oct 11th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 23rd
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, Oct 17th and Oct 24th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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McHenry Township Offices
3703 N. Richmond Rd.
McHenry, IL 60050
Tuesday, Oct 12th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturdays--NO Hours
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Nunda Township Offices
3510 Bay Rd, Annex
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Monday, Oct 18th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Saturdays--NO Hours
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Harvard Area
Dunham Township Office
107 Airport Rd
Harvard, IL 60033
Tuesday, Oct 12th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th and Oct 23rd
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Marengo Area
Marengo City Hall
132 E Prairie St, Upper Chambers
Marengo, IL 60152
Monday, Oct 11th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th and Oct 23rd
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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**For more information about early voting or voting locations, contact the McHenry County Clerk's office at
815-334-4242**
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TEN QUESTIONS TO A FAIR ASSESSMENT:
AN EXPLANATION OF THE APPEAL PROCESS IN MCHENRY COUNTY
3. How will I know what my new assessment is?
You will be receiving a letter in the mail later this summer or fall from the McHenry County Assessor's Office. This is your new official assessment notice and this is the first year the notice is in letter format that includes more assessment and property information. At the same time you receive your letter, assessment changes (changes made by the assessor not equalization) are published in the local newspaper. That publication date marks the beginning of the 30-day appeal process for your township.
4. I'm filing a complaint. What now? Don't miss the deadline. By state statute, your appeal can not be accepted after the deadline. Determine if your appeal is to be on equity or on market value. Your home could be assessed at the correct market value, but if all the other similar homes on your street are assessed below market value, then you are over assessed, because you are carrying a larger share of the tax burden. In an equity complaint, you must supply the market value and assessment of comparable properties in your neighborhood. In a market value complaint, you must supply recent sales data to support the fact that your home may be over-assessed.
Remember, you need to use comparable properties. That means properties of similar size, story height, quality of construction and style. You must use the comparable property form to show the differences between the comparable properties and your home. Be sure to file this information with your complaint form. This is your "evidence" to prove that your assessment is incorrect. You want to provide the most convincing case that you can. This means that you also need to show where your information came from. Pictures of your comparables and your own home are very, very valuable evidence. After receipt of your appeal, in most instances, you will receive a Notice of Hearing.
In addition, new this year is the option to have your assessment appeal heard on the evidence and you may check the box indicating no hearing required. In this case, you would submit your evidence to the Board of Review. The township assessor would then submit their evidence. The Board of Review would conduct a hearing based solely on the weight of the evidence provided by both parties.
5. I purchased my home during this past year. Will the Board of Review consider that?
If you recently purchased your home and the Board of Review determines the sale to be "arms length", that is advertised on the open market then they may adjust your assessment and a hearing would not be necessary. In that case, you will receive a "10-day notice." Short sales and foreclosures that are advertised on the open market may be "arms length." This gives you an opportunity to have a hearing if you
6. What happens at the hearing?
The hearing is somewhat informal. Present will be two or three hearing officers, a clerk to handle the paper work, the township assessor, and you the property owner. You may be represented by an attorney if you choose. Most residential property owners choose to represent themselves. You must include the authorization to represent form if you have someone represent you at the hearing.
The Board will ask you to talk about the evidence that you submitted to prove your assessment should be changed. If you go to the hearing and all you have to say is that your taxes are too high, the Board of Review will tell you that they have no jurisdiction over your tax bill. They can only discuss your assessment and the market value of your property. Your tax bill is calculated by multiplying your assessment, minus any exemptions, by the rates for the various taxing districts that serve your property. Even a home located very near to yours, may be served by different taxing districts. Due to all those variables, it is best to compare assessments, rather than tax bills. After hearing your arguments and asking you questions about your evidence, then the Board will ask the township assessor to respond to your evidence and information and provide any additional information he or she may have.
7. When will I know the decision of the Board of Review?
In most cases, the Board will make an oral decision at the conclusion of the hearing. Sometimes, they will want to collect additional information or verify information, prior to making a decision. The Board does not issue official written decisions until all hearings have been held usually by mid-March.
8. What if I'm still not happy?
Once you receive that written Final Notice of Findings, you will have 30 days from the date of the postmark to file with the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB). Those forms are available in the county office.
9. What can I expect if I do that?
You will be expected to provide evidence and proof of your contentions regarding your assessment. Determination of hearing date and all correspondence will originate from the state. However, PTAB hearings are held at the county office for the convenience of the taxpayer. The state sends a hearing officer to preside over the hearing, which is recorded. The hearing is a little more formal than the local hearing.
Again, you are allowed to present your case first. The Board of Review is there to explain their reasons for the assessment they placed on the property. The township assessor may be there to provide information and act as a witness for the Board of Review, if the Board made their decision based on information provided by the assessor. Remember, the appeal to PTAB is "de novo". That means all new. You can provide additional information that you may have neglected to provide at the county level. The Board of Review can also provide new information.
10. I don't think the Property Tax Appeal Board made the right decision. Is there anything more I can do?
Since you have exhausted all of your administrative remedies, you can now file a court action. Contact your attorney.
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McHenry County Board
Chairman - Kenneth D. Koehler
Vice Chairman - James L. Heisler
District 1
Yvonne M. Barnes
Robert "Bob" Bless
Anna May Miller
Marc J. Munaretto
District 2
JS "Scott" Breeden
James L. Heisler
Kenneth D. Koehler
Lyn A. Orphal
District 3
Mary L. Donner
Kathleen Bergan Schmidt
Ed Dvorak
Barbara Wheeler
District 4
Sue Draffkorn
John D. Hammerand
Pete Merkel
Sandra Fay Salgado
District 5
Tina Hill
James P. Kennedy
Virginia Peschke
Paula Yensen
District 6
Randall Donley
Mary T. McCann
Daniel P. Ryan
Ersel C. Schuster
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McHenry County Employment Opportunities
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