McHenry County e-News

McHenry County

3/25/2011

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler

Dear McHenry County Resident,

The McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force has been meeting for the last six months and is already making an impact in addressing the issue of drinking among minors. The Task Force has taken steps to identify the issues and motivations that cause minors to drink by engaging stakeholders from all age groups. The Task Force is in the process of submitting an application with the Substance Abuse Coalition to pursue a joint Drug Free Communities Grant Application that will allow it to obtain funds to help us better address this issue.

The Task Force is also pursuing developing a McHenry County SAFE HOMES Parent Network. A SAFE HOMES Parent Network is a parental pledge stating they will not:

§Knowingly serve nor will not allow anyone under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol in my home or on my property;

§Knowingly allow parties or gatherings in my home without proper responsible adult supervision;

§Establish a clear "family position" on the use of alcohol and discuss this position with my child(ren) on a regular basis; and

§Support our school prevention curriculum and school discipline policies relating to alcohol use among our youth.

Individuals can take the pledge and have their information displayed on the Task Force website by clicking here (You can choose to not have your address published on the website).

Finally, the Task Force is exploring the need for a County-wide Social Hosting Ordinance. A Social Hosting Ordinance holds individuals responsible for hosting, or knowingly providing a place for underage drinking to occur. The Law Enforcement Subcommittee is reviewing the Social Hosting Ordinance and its applicability to municipalities around the County.

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

County Board Member Spotlight:

Bob Nowak

Bob Nowak was elected from District 1 in the Southeastern corner of McHenry County during the most recent election cycle in November. Mr. Nowak currently resides in Cary and serves on the Building Projects, the Natural and Environmental Resources Committee, and the Law and Justice Committee...click here to learn more about Mr. Nowak.

Division of Transportation Update

DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION WEBSITE

The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) website provides current news, maps, and transportation plans directly from the source! Visit the MCDOT website to learn about 2011 construction projects, to download new highway and transportation maps, and to learn about short and long-term transportation plans for McHenry County. Click here to visit the website.

RAKOW ROAD

The Rakow Road construction project is scheduled to begin in March 2011 and be completed with all new lanes open to traffic in late Fall 2012, weather permitting. The limits for the project include Rakow Road from south of Ackman Road to IL 31 - a length of just over three miles.

There will be one lane of traffic in each direction open throughout the entire project. The widening of Rakow Road needs to be done because the amount of traffic using the road has grown tremendously. Adding new lanes will meet the current and future traffic demands. For more information, please visit www.rakowroad.com.

MCSO Update

Beware of "Phishing" Scams

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office would like you to beware of "phishing" scams. There is currently an e-mail circulating that alerts you that a "wire transfer" or "electronic money transfer" did not go through, in which you are provided a transfer number and a link in the e-mail. Do not click on any link included in one of these e-mails. Protect your identity. Click here for a link to the Federal Trade Commission's site on Identity Theft.

MCDH Update

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

Are you currently involved with a waste reduction or recycling program? If so, McHenry County Department of Health would like you to submit a nomination for the 2011 McHenry County Green Awards. Established in 1994, the award recognizes the waste reduction, recycling and conservation efforts of businesses, institutions, organizations and residents in the County. The Green Award is a good reminder of the important role everyone has in improving our community environment through waste reduction and recycling. The nomination form is available online at www.mcdh.info; the deadline is March 31.

Entries will be considered based on environmentally sound waste reduction or recycling efforts, innovation and education. Award winners will be recognized at the McHenry County Board meeting on April 19. One award will be chosen for each category which includes -

· Businesses - retail, hotels, restaurants, manufacturing

· Institutions - such as schools, hospitals,

long-term care, government

· Organizations - associations, clubs, volunteer groups

· Residents

Submit your nomination to Kristy Hecke, Solid Waste Manager at klhecke@co.mchenry.il.us or by fax 815-334-4637. For additional information, call 815-334-4585.

CMAP: Future Leaders in Planning

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is calling all Northeastern Illinois high school students! If you are concerned about having better parks, about the streets in your community, or ever wondered how and why a community is planned the way it is, then apply to CMAP's Future Leaders in Planning Program. CMAP is looking for high school students who want to learn about our region while interacting with other students from the Chicagoland. If you have ideas on how to make Northeastern Illinois a better place to live, go to school, work, and play, please apply to Future Leaders in Planning by clicking here.

McHenry County EECBG YouTube Video

In January 2011, McHenry County was recognized at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Forum on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for its success in implementing Energy Efficiency Block Grant projects. County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and Director of Facilities John Hadley attended this forum on behalf of McHenry County and highlighted the success the County has had in implementing this program. The NACo developed a video highlighting McHenry County's successes and posted it on YouTube.

Click here the link to view the video.

Hydrologic Information Website

The McHenry County Division of Water Resources is announcing the launch of the United States Geological Survey's McHenry County Hydrologic Information Website. The new website provides real-time water level data for McHenry County's observation wells and stream gauges, as well as precipitation amounts from rain gauges around McHenry County. This real-time data are collected and transmitted on an hourly basis to chart the short and long-term hydrological condition of the County.

Click here to view the website.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

When people are housed better, they live better.

The Corporation for Affordable Homes of McHenry County (CAHMCO) is a non-profit agency in the County. McHenry County received a Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and has partnered with CAHMCO to purchase, rehab and sell foreclosed homes throughout the County. The main objective of the grant is to stabilize the neighborhoods, but it is also a great opportunity for a homebuyer. We currently have eight homes that are ready for purchase. These homes are updated and are ready for occupancy. Buyers may also receive assistance towards the purchase of the property.

807 N. Division, Harvard- Old home charm with new home living features. This three bedroom home has been completely updated. The kitchen opens up to a family room and the formal dining room has built-in hutches.

7405 Maple, Wonder Lake- Great starter home! It is completely remodeled with an updated kitchen and breakfast bar. This home has two bedrooms, one bath, an oversized two car garage and all on a large lot.

CHECK OUT ALL OUR HOMES AND WATCH THEIR PROGRESS AT www.cahmco.org OR VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AT CAHMCO MCHENRY COUNTY.

For more information about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and homes that are available, please contact CAHMCO at www.CAHMCO.org or 815-206-5805 or the McHenry County Community Development Division at 815-334-4560, or via e-mail at McHenryCountyComDev@co.mchenry.il.us.

Unified Development Ordinance Project -

WE NEED YOUR INPUT!

You are invited to a public workshop on April 6 to provide feedback for the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance project. This project will update and combine the County's Zoning, Subdivision, Sign, and miscellaneous development regulations into a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO will regulate all aspects of development in unincorporated areas of the County. The UDO will help implement the County's 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Water Resources Action Plan...read more.

Special Courts Presentation:

22nd Judicial Circuit and McHenry County

Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: McHenry County College - Shah Center

4100 West Shamrock Lane

McHenry, IL 60050

RSVP: 815-455-2828

Presentation: Scott Black - Special Courts Coordinator

Dan Wallis - Court Administrator

Hon. Charles P. Weech - MHC Presiding Judge

In conjunction with "May is Mental Health Month" and "National Drug Court Month" the 22nd Judicial Circuit is offering a presentation highlighting the existing Mental Health Court and upcoming Drug Court programs.

"When one person rises out of mental illness/substance use and crime, WE ALL RISE!"

May is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month, and the McHenry County Community Partners-Mental Health Awareness for All group invites the community to participate in a variety of free educational programs, including a theater performance and art exhibit.

For more information visit http://mchenry.il.networkofcare.org and under Community Announcements click on announcements and press releases. or call 815-455-2828.

McHenry County Board

Chairman - Kenneth D. Koehler

Vice Chairman - John Jung, Jr.

District 1

Robert Nowak

Robert "Bob" Bless

Anna May Miller

Marc J. Munaretto

District 2

JS "Scott" Breeden

James L. Heisler

Kenneth D. Koehler