McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

8/26/2011

Ken Koehler County Board Chairman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

This week, the Illinois Tollway Authority approved a toll increase to offset the cost of a $12 billion capital plan. The rate increase is scheduled to be in effect January 1, 2012 and will bump the fee I-Pass users pay at mainline tolls from $0.40 to $0.75.

While a toll increase is never desirable, it will fund a capital plan that will have a positive impact on McHenry County (the most populous County in the United States without an exit directly onto an interstate). The capital plan will fund construction projects that will put many hard working Illinois citizens back to work. One of these projects funded by the capital plan is the construction of a full interchange at I-90/Rt. 47 in Huntley. The construction of east/west on and off ramps will spur economic development in McHenry County by allowing increased accessibility to all we have to offer!

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

County Board Member Spotlight:

Sue Draffkorn

Sue Draffkorn was elected to the McHenry County Board in November 2002 and currently resides in Wonder Lake. Ms. Draffkorn is a member of the Human Resources, Law & Justice, and Planning & Development Committees. Ms. Draffkorn is the County Board liaison to the Fox Waterway Agency and is also the Chairman of the McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission. Click here to learn more about Ms. Draffkorn.

Tax Bill Reminder

The second installment for the 2010 property taxes for McHenry County property owners is due September 13, 2011.

Those looking for payment options may obtain this information online at www.mchenrytreasurer.org or by calling the Treasurer's Office at 815-334-4260.

It is extremely important for property owners to pay close attention to their total property tax exemptions listed on the bill which could lower the current tax bill. For a complete list of exemptions, please click here.

County residents receive a single tax bill in May 2011 for the full year's taxes, payable in two equal installments and will not be receiving a second bill when the second installment is due.

Pursuant to Illinois law, the County is required to add a 1.5% penalty for taxes paid or post-marked after the due dates.

NACo Achievement Awards

McHenry County was recently recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for implementing innovative county government programs to better serve area residents. The 2011 NACo Achievement Award winners were honored during the NACo's 76th Annual Conference and Exposition in Portland, Oregon. McHenry County received three NACo Achievement Awards for its Winter Snow & Ice Workshop, Community Partners - Mental Health Awareness for All, and MAPP Heart Age Assessment Tool...read more

Division of Transportation Update

COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE

Rakow Road Reconstruction - The area schools are going back in session in the next few days. The project traffic signal engineer will be on the site to observe traffic patterns and signal timing, and will implement adjustments to optimize traffic movements to the extent possible. MCDOT will continue to review the signals as traffic settles into the 'school in session' patterns.

Completed preparatory work for the reconstruction project this summer includes: relocating the underground utilities, installing 16,600 feet of storm sewers, and placing 33,000 tons of stone base. This will allow the concrete base course construction to start in the next two to three weeks. The progress made will be much more visible when the new pavement is in. For more information, please visit the project website at www.rakowroad.com.

MCDOT appreciates your patience and extra care in driving through construction zones.

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 is available at www.McHenryCountyDOT.org.

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 Durham Road bridge over Rush Creek west of Illinois Route 23 in Durham Township, and the Graft 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 started on August 8, 2011 with the road closure and detour route marking using U.S. Route 12, Wilma 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

MCSO Wins Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge for 2011-12

On Wednesday, August 24, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office was recognized at the annual Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge Awards ceremony in Peoria, Illinois. The Sheriff's Office received two awards during this ceremony:

1st Place Sheriff's Office Agency (101-250 Deputies class)
Rookie of the Year (First year entrants of all classes)

Award recipients received trophies and prizes that will assist them with traffic safety education and enforcement in the future. The Sheriff's Office won a Traffic Crash Investigation package from the Northwestern University Center for Traffic Safety...read more.

Car Seat Check Events

Saturday, September 10 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

McHenry County Animal Control in Crystal Lake

Saturday, September 24 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Centegra Hospital in Woodstock

McHenry County Department of Health Update

Shingle Clinic - Friday, September 9

Almost one out of three people in the U.S. will develop shingles during his or her lifetime. If you are aged 60 or older and have previously had chickenpox or shingles, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) recommends you get vaccinated to reduce the risk of developing shingles. A clinic has been scheduled for Friday, September 9, from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia Street (the intersection of Route 14 and Woodstock Street). Appointments are required. The cost is $200 (cash, check or credit card accepted).

Nearly 1 million Americans experienced this condition last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shingles is a painful skin rash often accompanied by blisters appearing on one side of the body. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body in a dormant (inactive) state and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. The pain from shingles can last for months, or even years, after the rash goes away. About half of all cases occur among men and women 60 years of age or older.

As with any vaccine, people with special health considerations should contact their physician before receiving the shingles vaccine. Call 815-334-4500 to make an appointment. Visit www.mcdh.info for more information.

Cholesterol Screening - Saturday, September 10

September is Cholesterol Education Month and the perfect time to get your cholesterol checked. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a cardiovascular screening on Saturday, September 10, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street, Woodstock. 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 required at the library 815-338-0542; cost is $35.00.

Age, gender and family history are risk factors beyond our control, but there are many dietary and lifestyle changes that you can implement to not only reduce the risk, but actually reverse the damage of heart disease. Risk factors you can change are high cholesterol, smoking (including second-hand smoke), diabetes, high blood pressure, 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.

For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/.

Division of Water Resources Update

Waterlinks
The WaterSense Current (Summer 2011) - This issue contains information about WaterSense's 5th Anniversary and a look back on the past five years; tips for beating the summer "Peak Water Use" time; an interview with 2010 WaterSense Irrigation Partner of the Year, Judie Benson; and a call for future contributions to The Current.

Could Seawater Solve the Freshwater Crisis? - To make much needed fresh water, just de-salt saltwater? Experts weigh in on what needs to be done to make it as easy as it sounds.

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

McHenry County Appointments

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

McHenry County Housing Commission

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

Workforce Network:

Your Job Search Partner

During these tough economic times, job seekers can easily become discouraged. McHenry County Workforce Network has programs designed to help job seekers, as well as employers.

If you are a job seeker having a hard time making decisions about your next career move, we have free services to help:

Internet connected computers with job search software
Resource Room staff to help you find answers to questions
Resume and interview assistance
Job search and career-related seminars and workshops
Job clubs and networking opportunities
Access to job listings and employers
Skills assessment and training assistance (if eligible) to help you reach your career goals
Workforce Prep youth program for eligible youth ages 14-21

If you are an employer looking for candidates with the "right" skills, or if you need to upgrade the skills of your current workforce, Workforce Network can provide:

Job posting assistance and access to well qualified candidates
On-site recruitment to help you fill vacancies quickly
Reimbursement for retraining to help you remain competitive
On-the-job training programs for skilled workers allow employers to receive reimbursement of up to 90% of a new employee's wages
Assistance with tax credits

For more information, go to www.mchenrycountyworkforce.com, call or visit:

McHenry County Workforce Network

Located at the McHenry County Workforce Center
(across from McHenry County Government Center)
500 Russel Court
Woodstock, IL 60098

815-338-7100, Ext. 203

McHenry County Workforce Network - Youth Program

Open Monday through Friday - hours vary - Call for an appointment at 815-206-5201

Located next to Expressly Leslie in the Woodstock Square Mall

110 S. Johnson, Suite 112, Woodstock