McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

7/15/2011

Ken Koehler County Board Chairman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

Many of us experienced prolonged power outages due to this past Monday's weather event in which we saw severe weather that resulted in numerous downed power lines and debris. I want to give a special thanks to the employees of the Division of Transportation, Sheriff's Department, Emergency Management Agency, Planning and Development, Facilities Management and Valley Hi for their dedication and hard work during these adverse weather conditions.

Their efforts helped clear road of debris, assisted those who had property damage, and kept our seniors at Valley Hi safe. To all involved, a job well done!

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

County Board Member Spotlight:

Barbara Wheeler

Barbara Wheeler was elected to the McHenry County Board in November 2002 and currently resides in unincorporated Crystal Lake. Ms. Wheeler is Vice-Chairman of the Management Services Committee and is also a member of the Human Resources and Liquor & License Committees. Click here to learn more about Ms. Wheeler.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Home Sales

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded McHenry County Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds to purchase foreclosed, abandoned homes in areas of greatest need for the purpose of rehabilitation, then re-sale or rental to income eligible buyers or renters. People interested in the program must attend an orientation, complete consumer credit counseling, select a home from the portfolio of properties, and seek a financial lender either working with the NSP program or of their choice.

The homes through the McHenry County NSP are move-in ready. Financing for these homes is provided in part by McHenry County. All homes are completely updated and have energy efficient appliances. For more information, please call 815-334-4546 or visit McHenryCountyNSP@co.mchenry.il.us.

The following homes are for sale through the McHenry County NSP:

$105,000

807 N. Division Street

Harvard, IL

This is a grand home with lots of charm. It includes 3 bedrooms with the master on the first floor. It has a beautiful new porch, new kitchen with breakfast bar and updates through-out. It's location is convenient to the train, hospital and downtown shopping.

$119,000

703 Lincoln Street

Harvard, IL

This home is conveniently located near the train, hospital and downtown shopping which makes it an ideal place to live. It has a first floor master and 2 large bedrooms upstairs. Buyers will fall in love with the formal living room and beautiful family room. The kitchen is completely remodeled with rich cabinetry.

$99,000

1109 N. Hayes Street

Harvard, IL

A great 3 beedroom ranch with hardwood floors throughout. This home comes with an extra large two car garage, full basement and has been updated inside and out. It's convenient location to the train, hospital and downtown shopping makes this home an ideal place to live.

Division of Transportation Update

COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE

Rakow Road Reconstruction - PLEASE NOTE: A NEW CONSTRUCTION SPEED ZONE OF 35 MPH HAS BEEN CREATED THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT. Violation carries a minimum fine of $375. This measure has been taken for the safety of the motorists, as well as the workers on the roadway. In addition, as is the law in Illinois, handheld cell phone use is prohibited in construction zones. The night time ONLY detour and closure of Rakow Road from Virginia Road to IL 31 started on July 11 and will continue for about three weeks. The road closure starts at 8:00 p.m. and the road is reopened to traffic by 6:00 a.m. at the latest. This allows for the construction of 22 road crossings without the interruption of day time traffic, and allows the contractor added efficiency in constructing the new aggregate base in this area. The road closure will only take place in good weather, and this inconvenience will allow the project to remain on schedule and minimize necessary disruptions of daytime traffic. 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

Walkup Road Widening, Resurfacing and Multi-Use Path Construction - The Final Surface course is being completed this week on the entire project and the new pavement markings will follow. The new traffic signals are scheduled to be activated next week. Bike Path paving and landscaping are expected to be completed by August 4, 2011. Visit www.WalkupRoad.info for more information.

Dunham Road Bridge Replacement - The bridge is nearly complete and roadway paving is occurring this week. Final grading, shoulders, guardrail, pavement markings and landscaping remain. The contractor is attempting to complete the project and open the bridge to traffic as early as July 22.

Union Road Bridge Replacement - The contract completion date for this work is September 30, 2011. There is 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 Projects - Arrow Road Construction Company has completed paving and pavement markings on Cary-Algonquin Road. Milling and Binder course is complete on Maple Street with final surface in progress this week. Milling is expected to start on Roberts Road next week.

The County Crack Sealing project started the week of May 23 and is now completed. 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.

Three New Bridge Replacement Projects - Work 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 IL 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

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - Tuesday, August 2

McHenry County Sheriff Nygren would like to remind the community to mark their calendars for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Harrison Benwell Conservation area in Wonder Lake. This community party will be free to all those that attend. Join the Sheriff's Office and McHenry County Conservation District for free food and fun. There will be a K-9 demo, a motorcycle demo, a static display of vehicles to include MARV, and more. Bring your family and join the fun during this crime free event. More information will be shared on the McHenry County Sheriff's Office Facebook page and website as it becomes available.

SAFETY TIPS

Summer Safety Tips for Runners:

1. Jog with someone you know and in a familiar area

2. Do not run in a heavily wooded, poorly lit, or secluded area

3. Avoid wearing earphones that may block out noise from your surroundings

4. Wear bright colors

5. Change the route of your jog

6. If you feel like you are being followed or at risk of danger, go to the nearest group of people

7. Carry a cell phone and your keys with you

If you come across a dog while running:

1. Don't run away, but instead stand still and remain calm

2. Don't stare into the eyes of the dog

3. Try telling the dog "No, Go Home" in a low voice

And always remember to please call 911 in case of emergencies.

McHenry County Department of Health Update

Children's Health & Safety Fair - Wednesday, August 3 (Flyer)

The annual McHenry County Children's Health & Safety Fair is almost here! Now in its 21^st year, it is bigger and better than ever! The fair will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, at McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, in Crystal Lake. Admission to the fair is FREE.

This year's theme is "Makin' a Splash!" With over 40 exhibits, games and prizes and the fire department's 'smoke house', the fair delivers on its promise to entertain and educate. Children will be entered into a raffle to win one of two free bicycles and helmets when they turn in their stamped cards after visiting exhibitor's booths.

Reduced cost immunizations and dental exams will be provided for school age children on a first come-first served basis. Medicaid will be accepted. Parents MUST bring their child's updated immunization record in order to receive required immunizations. A limited number of reduced cost school physicals are available - by appointment only - for children of uninsured or underinsured families. Make your appointment now by calling the Family Health Partnership Clinic 815-334-8987.

The fair is sponsored by the McHenry County Children's Health & Safety Fair Coalition, a 501(c)3 organization which unfortunately has seen a reduction in funds this year. In order to keep this a free event for families and participating agencies, the Coalition is encouraging organizations wishing to make monetary donations to contact Mary Reid at 815-338-8790.

Coalition members include Community Action Agency/Head Start, Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Family Service & Community Mental Health Center, League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, McHenry County College, McHenry County Department of Health, McHenry County Mental Health Board, United Way of Greater McHenry County Volunteer Center, STAR 105.5, and Youth Service Bureau.

McHenry County Division of Water Resources

McHenry County Teams Up with WaterSense

McHenry County Government has teamed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense program to help County residents save water for future generations and reduce costs on their utility bills.

WaterSense aims to decrease indoor and outdoor water use through water-efficient products and simple water saving practices. The program encourages customers to look for WaterSense labeled products, which have been independently certified for efficiency and performance, and promotes water-saving techniques that reduce stress on water systems and the environment.

"The goal of EPA's WaterSense program is to help Americans save water and money by offering simple ways to reduce water use though water-efficient product choices," stated by Sheila Frace, Director of the EPA Office of Water's Municipal Support Division. "Using water more efficiently can help delay the need to create more supplies, saving communities money and resources, as well as ensuring that water will be available for future generations."

The average home, retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, can save 30,000 gallons per year. If one out of every ten homes in the United States upgraded to water-efficient fixtures, it could save more than 300 billion gallons and nearly $2 billion annually.

WaterSense labeled products must meet EPA's criteria for efficiency and performance. Independently tested and certified products may bare the WaterSense label, which makes it easy for consumers to identify and select a variety of quality, water-efficient products and services for their homes and lawns.

To learn more about WaterSense, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/.

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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!

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
McHenry County Historic Preservation 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