McHenry County, IL7/1/2011

 

McHenry County e-News
A message from the Chairman... 

Ken Koehler  County Board Chairman

 

Dear McHenry County Resident:

 

A year-and-a-half ago, McHenry County announced that Greater Elgin Family Care Center, the area's only Joint Commission accredited federally qualified health center, would be expanding its facility in McHenry.  This facility, the McHenry Community Health Center (MCHC), provides services to those who have trouble affording quality primary healthcare.

 

I am very pleased to inform you that the new MCHC facility is on schedule to open during the first half of October 2011 and will be located at 3901 Mercy Drive in McHenry (across Route 31 from Centegra Hospital McHenry).  The MCHC will provide pediatric, obstetric, gynecological and family medicine care to area residents who are uninsured, publicly insured or underinsured, regardless of their ability to pay. 

 

In addition, the McHenry County Health Department has committed to offering both WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Family Case Management services in the Health Center at least twice weekly. 

 

The MCHC is also actively collaborating with Centegra Health System regarding laboratory services in the Health Center, obstetric and gynecological care, imaging (including ultrasounds) and electronic communication of patient hospitalization records and imaging and laboratory results. 

 

This entire project was made possible through a partnership that emerged to provide enhanced medical services to County residents.  This includes federal, state and local officials from the McHenry County Mental Health Board, the McHenry County Department of Health and Family Services and Mental Health Care Center.

 

More information on this project can be found on the Greater Elgin Family Care Center website: www.gefcc.org.  This website offers a full review of the Health Center, as well as pictures of the building as it develops.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

County Board Member Spotlight:
Ersel Schuster

 

Ersel Schuster was elected to the McHenry County Board in November 2008 and currently resides in unincorporated Woodstock.  Ms. Schuster serves as Chairman of the Management Services Committee and is also a member of the Planning & Development and Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs Committees. Additionally, Ms. Schuster serves on the McHenry County Pollution Control Facility Siting Committee. Click here to learn more about Ms. Schuster.

Mental Health Court to Graduate Fifth Class 

 

Date: 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 

 

Time:

6:30 p.m. (East Entrance)

 

Where:         

McHenry County Government Center

2200 N. Seminary Ave.

Courtroom 204

Woodstock, IL 60098


The McHenry County Mental Health Court (MHC) Program officially convened in April of 2007 with Hon. Charles P. Weech as the presiding Judge. The MHC is a voluntary program designed to serve non-violent criminal defendants who are struggling with mental illness and currently involved in the criminal justice system of McHenry County.

 

In lieu of traditional punishment, the MHC diverts participants away from the traditional criminal justice system by offering alternative court, intensive judicial/community supervision and treatment.

 

Upon acceptance into the program each participant shall appear in court on a regular basis, meet with the MHC team members consisting of a mental health professional, nurse and probation officer as scheduled, and follow the recommended treatment plan developed with a community treatment provider.  The MHC team members conduct home, community and office visits to monitor compliance with the treatment/service plan and provide progress reports to the court.  Participants progress through the program by increasing duration between court appearances and meetings with the MHC team. In the event of complete non-compliance or the participant chooses to quit the MHC, the traditional court process will resume.  Involvement in the MHC can last anywhere from 12-24 months depending on the participant's level of stabilization, progress and compliance.  In return for the commitment and hard work, not only do the participants gain access to mental health treatment services and support which can be life changing events, successful completion of the program often results in case dismissal or a reduction of charges.

 

The goal of the MHC program is to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism by improving participants' daily functioning through treatment focused collaborations with community mental health and ancillary services.

 

Attached is information regarding the Mental Health Court's Fifth Graduation Ceremony which will take place on July 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in Courtroom 204.

 

The Graduation Ceremony will be a time of celebration and reflection for SIX (6) program graduates who have worked hard to improve their lives and we commend them for their efforts. This brings the program's graduation total to 31 individuals!

 

To date, only three graduates have been re-arrested post graduation! This equates to less than a 10% recidivism rate for program graduates.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the Mental Health Court, please contact Scott Block at (815)334-43913 or by clicking here.

 

Division of Transportation Update

 

COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE

Rakow Road Reconstruction - Last week, traffic was shifted to the new temporary pavement on the north side, west of Pyott Road opening the area for new pavement construction. Work is ongoing to make the same Stage shift east of Pyott Road to IL 31 on July 5 to allow the project to go into full production. A plan has been approved for a night time ONLY detour and closure of Rakow Road from Virginia Road to IL 31, starting July 11 for a period of approximately three weeks. This would allow for the construction of 22 road crossings without the interruption of day-time traffic, and would allow the contractor added efficiency in constructing the new aggregate base in this area. The temporary traffic signal timings on this project are continuously being monitored and have been adjusted numerous times to maximize their ability to move traffic as efficiently as possible.  We appreciate your patience and extra care in driving through the construction zones. 

 

Sign up for email updates on www.RakowRoad.com or follow us on Twitter @RakowRoad.

 

Walkup Road Widening, Resurfacing and Multi-Use Path Construction - The Binder course has been placed at the Crystal Springs intersection. Paving of final surface course is expected the week of July 5th with pavement markings and path paving to follow.  The new traffic signals will be activated shortly thereafter.  Please Drive Carefully and allow extra time while travelling through the construction zones.  For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit www.WalkupRoad.info.

 

Dunham Road Bridge Replacement - The new concrete bridge deck was poured on June 9 and mass earth grading roadway embankment and pavement construction are in progress.  The project completion date has been extended to July 12, but it is expected the project will not be complete and open to traffic until approximately July 30. 

 

Union Road Bridge ReplacementThe contract completion date for this work is September 30, 2011.  There will be a marked Detour Route in effect for the duration of construction using IL 176, IL 23, US 20, West Union Road and North Union Road.   The detour route and additional information will be available at www.McHenryCountyDOT.org in the near future.

 

County Pavement Preservation ProjectsThe low bidder on this project was Arrow Road Construction Company.  This project will provide a heavy mill and overlay on Maple Street, Cary-Algonquin Road and Roberts Road.  The project started on May 17 with milling on Cary-Algonquin Road with the final surface course paving underway currently.  Milling has started on Maple Street, with Roberts Road to follow approximately two weeks later.

 

The County crack sealing project started the week of May 23, and will be complete as of July 1. The routing and sealing of pavement cracks was completed on Harmony, Coral and Lakewood Roads and part of Vermont Road. There was insufficient quantity to complete Ridgefield and Country Club Roads so they will be added to next year's program.

 

An acceptable bid for the Micro-surfacing of Charles Road from Nelson Road to Greenwood Road was not received, therefore there will not be a Micro-surfacing project in 2011.


Three New Bridge Replacement ProjectsWork started on all three bridges on June 27, 2011. The Lawrence Road bridge over Lawrence Creek just north of Oak Grove Road is open to one-way traffic using a temporary traffic signal. The Dunham Road bridge over Rush Creek west of Illinois Route 23 in Dunham Township, and the Graf Road bridge over Lawrence Creek just north of Oak Grove Road in Chemung Township are closed and both have marked detour routes. The completion of these projects will eliminate three load posted bridges on the County and Township roadway systems. 

 

Watch for notices of road closures, detour maps, and schedules for these projects at www.mchenrycountydot.org.

 

Visit www.McHenryCountyDOT.org and check out the interactive Construction Map for the latest information or links to specific projects. 

 

 

McHenry County Sheriff's Office Update
  

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone to have a safe 4th of July weekend. Travel to your destinations safely by avoiding distracted and intoxicating driving.  Use all appropriate safety measures when attending events that have fireworks or other entertainment that may pose a safety concern.

 

Each year fireworks cause thousands of injuries.  Here are a few tips on how to celebrate safely around firework displays:

   Wear safety glasses when using fireworks and sparklers.

   Adults should always be around and supervise children around firework displays.

   Never use or play with any type of firework within or close to a vehicle.

   Be aware and careful of where you point fireworks and where they will land.

   Do not consume alcoholic beverages when you will be using fireworks.

 

For additional information on the use of fireworks in the State of Illinois and the State of Illinois law, please go to: http://www.sfm.illinois.gov/commercial/pyrotechnicsfireworks/rules.aspx
McHenry County Division of Water Resources 

 

Saving Water Saves Energy: Make the Drop-to-Watts Connection 

Reprinted from: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/waterenergy.html

Provided by: Cassandra McKinney, McHenry County Water Resources Manager

 

It's Time for a New Way to Think About Water and Energy

With climate change concerns, pervasive droughts, and high energy prices across the country, nearly everyone is looking for ways to conserve resources and cut costs.  The good news is that by using a little "water sense" we can all use less water, energy, and money.

 

It's time for a new way to think about using water and energy more efficiently.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program can help you save both.  Look for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances and other products that use water and energy.

 

Drops & Watts: You Cannot Have One Without the Other

Many Americans know about the importance of saving energy, and  many know about the importance of saving water.  But few know about the direct connection between saving both.  We turn on the bathroom lights and the shower without realizing how closely related water and electricity are to each other.

 

On average, the annual energy used to deliver, heat, and treat water for only 10 households could power a refrigerator for a year.  In some areas of the country, that estimate is very low.  For example, in parts of Southern California it takes as much as six times more electricity just to supply water to the same number of homes - that's nearly enough electricity to power a whole house for a year.  Heating water for bathing, shaving, cooking, and cleaning also requires a considerable amount of energy.  Homes with electric water heaters, for example, spend one-quarter of their electric bill just to heat water.

 

Given how closely related saving water is to saving energy, one of the best ways to save energy across the country and in our home is to use water more efficiently.

 

How Can We Start Saving?

One of the simplest ways to save both water and energy is to install water-efficient products.  WaterSense labeled products not only save water, but can help reduce your energy bills.  Installing WaterSense labeled faucet aerators in your bathrooms, for example, costs just a few dollars but could save you enough electricity to dry your hair everyday for a year!  You can choose from hundreds of WaterSense labeled products.  What's more, you can be sure the products will not only save resources, but will perform well.  WaterSense labeled products must undergo independent, third-party testing and certification to ensure they meet EPA's criteria for both efficiency an performance.

 

Look for Water Sense labeled products and start saving both water and energy! For more information, visit www.epa.gov/watersense

 

______________________________________________________

 

Did you know the McHenry County Division of Water Resources maintains a Facebook page?  This page is updated regularly with water news and views from McHenry County and around the world. Become a fan by clicking here!

 

How Much are You Paying for Your Drinking Water...
Cassandra McKinney, McHenry County Water Resources Mangager 

 

The average cost of tap water in the U.S. is $3.48 for 1,000 gallons. That means a penny buys approximately 2.9 gallons of water. How much is your bottled water costing you for the same amount? Pepsi's Aquafina or Coca-Cola's Dasani bottled water are both sold in 20 ounce sizes and can be purchased from vending machines alongside soft drinks - and at the same price. Assuming you can find a $1 machine, that works out to 5 cents an ounce. 1 U.S. gallon = 128 U.S. fluid ounces. Therefore, it costs $6.40 per gallon or $6400 per 1000 gallons for bottled water and a penny will only buy 0.002 gallons of bottled water.  How about a 24 pack of Nestle 16.9 oz. bottles from Wal-Mart?  The 24-pack costs $3.88 and contains 3.17 gallons of water.  Therefore, it costs $1.22 per gallon or $1,220 per 1000 gallons of bottled water and a penny will only buy .008 gallons of water. 

McHenry County Department of Health Update 

 

Community Designs Depict Winning Media Design

McHenry County College student Jim Anderson's winning media design can be seen at local gas stations, drive-in and restrooms.  Chosen as one of the winners of the McHenry County Department of Health's (MCDH) annual Billboard Design Contest, Jim's design was entitled "Smoking in your car is hazardous to your friends and family", depicting the damaging effects of second-hand smoke. 

Other contest winners were seniors Megan Teresi, Woodstock High School, and Nate Prosser, Johnsburg High School.

Click here to learn more and view the winning design.

McHenry County Appointments

 

The McHenry County Board is currently accepting applications for appointment to the following boards and commissions:

  • McHenry County Housing Commission
  • McHenry County Public Building Commission

Click here to view board and commission descriptions and to obtaining an application.

2011 McHenry County Illinois Visitor Guide

 

Looking for something to do in McHenry County this summer? The 2011 McHenry County Illinois Visitor Guide is just a glimpse at all the exciting things to see and do in our corner of Chicagoland. From groundhogs to Mozart, visitors keep coming back for "Fun-Filled Days and Star-Filled Nights in McHenry County".  To view a downloadable version of the 2011 McHenry County Illinois Visitors Guide, please click on the link below:

 

2011 McHenry County Illinois Visitor Guide  

In This Issue
County Board Spotlight
Mental Health Court
MCDOT Update
MCSO Update
Water Resources
Drinking Water
MCDH Update
Appointments
Visitor Guide

McHenry County Board

 

District 1

Anna May Miller 

District 1

Bob Bless 

District 1

Marc Munaretto 

District 1

Bob Nowak 

District 2

Scott Breeden 

District 2

Jim Heisler 

District 2

Donna Kurtz 

District 2

Ken Koehler 

District 3

Nick Provenzano 

 

District 3

Kathleen Bergan Scmidt 

District 3

Barbara Wheeler 

District 3

Mary L. Donner 

District 4

Sue Draffkorn 

 

District 4

John D. Hammerand 

District 4

Peter J. Merkel 

 

District 4

Sandra Fay
Salgado
 

District 5

Tina Hill 

District 5

Paula Yensen 

District 5

John Jung, Jr. 

District 5

Virginia Peschke 

District 6

Randy Donley 

District 6

Mary T. McCann 

District 6

Diane Evertsen 

 

 District 6 

Ersel Schuster 

McHenry County Employment Opportunities 

 
Click here!

 

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