McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

7/29/2011

Ken Koehler County Board Chairman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

At the Tuesday, July 19 meeting of the McHenry County Board, Valley Hi Administrator Tom Annarella and Operating Board Chairman Pete Michling informed the Board that the Valley Hi Nursing Home Facility will most likely end this fiscal year in the black. This is the first time in recent memory that the facility will end with a surplus. The ability to end the year in a strong financial position is due to a number of factors. First, Valley Hi has reduced the expenditures for agency staffing, relying instead on our own employees. Secondly, Valley Hi joined other nursing home providers in a nursing home purchasing group which will reduce our operating costs. The need for employee overtime has been reduced and appropriate staffing levels have been maintained. Lastly, we continue to improve the mix between Medicare, Medicaid, and full-pay patients.

In the coming year, the Valley Hi Nursing Home will focus on developing a strategic plan with goals and objectives that focus on financial sustainability and resident/staff services. Valley Hi Nursing Home plans to expand upon these strategic objectives by developing and implementing a formal customer service plan that involves ongoing customer service questionnaires for residents/families and staff. Utilizing a customer services plan will allow Valley Hi Nursing Home to continue progressing towards a more resident centered care focus while continuing to improve upon quality indicators.

The future of the Valley Hi Nursing Home is a bright one and I am excited for it to continually improve the quality of care it provides to the County's indigent population in a cost effective manner.

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

County Board Member Spotlight:

Mary Donner

Mary Donner was elected to the McHenry County Board in November 2006 and currently resides in unincorporated Crystal Lake. Ms. Donner is Vice-Chairman of the Planning & Development Committee and is also a member of the Finance & Audit and Public Health & Human Services Committees. Ms. Donner is the County Board Liaison to the Board of Health Appeals, the McHenry County Mental Health Board, and McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission. Ms. Donner is also a member of the McHenry County Senior Services Grant Commission. Click here to learn more about Ms. Donner.

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 nighttime ONLY detour and closure of Rakow Road from Virginia Road to IL 31 started on July 11 and has been very successful with the completion of 22 road crossings without the interruption of daytime traffic. A few more night closures will soon take place, weather permitting, to complete the excavation in the area, and then night work will take place with the road open to construct the aggregate base course with minimal traffic disruption. 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 and new pavement markings are complete and the new traffic signals have been activated. Bike Path paving is nearly complete and final landscaping is underway. Visit www.WalkupRoad.info for more information.

Dunham Road Bridge Replacement - The bridge is now complete and will be open to traffic this week.

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, pavement markings and gravel shoulders on Cary-Algonquin Road and Maple Street. Paving on Roberts Road is now complete with pavement markings and shoulders to follow.

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 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.

Blivin Street Bridge Replacement - This project will start on August 8, 2011 with the road closure and Detour Route marking using U.S. Route 12, Wilmot Road and Main Street. Blivin Street will remain open to local traffic only up to the bridge, but the bridge will remain closed for the duration of the construction. The project has a milestone completion date to be open to traffic on November 15, 2011, with final completion of the project by May 11, 2012. Significant public utility relocation challenges need to be met in order for the project to proceed on schedule.

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

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office has joined forces with the McHenry County Conservation District Police Department to host National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday August 2, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Harrison Benwell Conservation Area in Wonder Lake. Various free, interactive events have been planned throughout the night for the community to enjoy and participate in.

All communities of McHenry County are invited to attend this family oriented event. Free food which includes hot dogs, popcorn, donuts, and pop will be provided to those in attendance. The Sheriff's Office and Conservation District Police Department will have current squads, MARV, motorcycles, and police equipment on display. The McHenry County Conservation District will provide a motorcycle precision riding demonstration for attendees to observe their skills. During the night, the Sheriff's Office K9 unit will provide a police K9 demonstration. Attendees can also gather additional information and assistance with:

Crime prevention/child passenger safety information
Sweeping Crime Out of our Parks Program
Electronic fingerprinting ID system for children
Blood pressure checks
Other programs and services provided by your fire and police agencies

National Night Out (NNO) is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday of August. The goal of NNO is to promote crime prevention and safety programs, strengthen police-community partnerships, and encourage neighborhood camaraderie in hopes for a safer McHenry County and America. NNO "America's Night Against Crime" began in 1984 and is celebrated in all 50 states.

The Sheriff's Office and Conservation District would like to thank: TOPS Kennels of Grayslake, Aramark, Country Donuts, Ed's Rental, Harrison School, Harrison PTO, Wonder Lake Fire Protection District, Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce, Meijer Foods- McHenry, Coca Cola, and Target- McHenry for their assistance in making this event possible. Residents can obtain additional information on the McHenry County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the Conservation Districts website www.mccdistrict.org or by calling 815-338-2144.

McHenry County Department of Health Update

Reduced Fee Water Testing Offered in August

In honor of Safe Drinking Water Month, McHenry County Dept. of Health (MCDH) will offer reduced fee water testing for individual well water users for the entire month of August. Residents can have their well water sampled for coliform bacteria and nitrate for $18. Testing your well regularly is the only way to determine whether well water is safe to drink as many contaminants are colorless and odorless. Water from a public or municipal water system is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards.

Sampling kits can be picked up at the MCDH in Woodstock or at one of eight drop-off centers. For more information, contact the MCDH's Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585 or visit www.mcdh.info .

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

The annual McHenry County Children's Health & Safety Fair is almost here! Now in its 21st 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. Click here to see the flyer.

Division of Water Resources Update

Waterlinks
Water, Water Everywhere - Did you know that drinking plenty of water can actually keep your body temperature lower on a hot summer day?

Water use: Drop it When It's Hot - When the mercury rises, so does your water use. "Peak" water use describes the time of year when residential water use is at its highest, usually late July and early August, depending on where you live.

Do not forget to become a FAN of the McHenry County Division of Water Resources on Facebook!

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 three bedrooms with the master on the first floor. It has a beautiful new porch, new kitchen with breakfast bar and updates throughout. 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 two 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 three bedroom ranch with hardwood floors throughout. This home comes with an extra large two car garage, full basement and it 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.