McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

9/9/2011

Ken Koehler County Board Chairman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, the largest terrorist attack on American soil. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of those who lost their lives on American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, United Airlines Flights 173 and 93, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Additionally, we remember the heroic actions taken that day by police fire and emergency response personnel.

Please take a moment this Sunday to reflect upon those who lost their lives and the sacrifices of the first responders. Especially remember the survivors and families who have rebuilt their lives after enduring this unspeakable tragedy. I encourage you to join in on one of the commemorative events taking place in the County to the remember the heroes of September 11, 2011.

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

September 11 Commemorative Events

***Published in the Northwest Herald on 9/6/2011***

9/11 MEMORIAL DEDICATION

10:00 a.m. Sept. 11, Fire Station, 213 Spring St., Carpentersville. The Carpentersville Fire Department will host a dedication of the Carpentersville Fire Department Firefighter 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony. An open house will follow the dedication ceremony. Open to the public. Information: 847-344-7300 or jaschuldt@vil.carpentersville.il.us.

9/11 REMEMBRANCE SERVICES IN JOHNSBURG

9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, Commencing at 9 a.m. placement of 25 American flags that will make up the Circle of Flags on the lawn of the First Midwest Bank, next door to the Johnsburg Public Library, followed by a brief Remembrance Service. There will also be a 7:30 p.m. Candlelight Remembrance Service that will include a few words from Village President Ed Hetterman. Information: Barbara Klapperich, 815-385-8128, barbk9jingo@sbcglobal.net or visit: www.johnsburglibrary.org.

10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY

12:00 p.m. Sept. 11, James C. Dhamer Town Square in downtown Huntley. To honor those who lost their lives during this tragic day in U.S. history. Information: Barb, 847-515-5262 or bread@huntley.il.us.

10-YEAR REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

10:00 a.m. Sept. 11, Stade's Farm & Market, 3709 W. Miller Road, McHenry. Patriotic medley and group singing. Special presentation of the Star Spangled Banner. Live music and inspirational message. Free cider doughnuts and coffee will be served. Information: 847-540-5024 or www.stadesfarmandmarket.com.

"A SALUTE TO PATRIOTISM"

6:30 p.m. Sept. 11, Hampshire Fire Station, 202 Washington Ave., Hampshire. Join us at the fire station for an evening of celebration, remembrance, and a salute to patriotism. The silent parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. on Terwilliger Avenue. Once the parade passes there will be a 7:30 p.m. program at the fire station with a memorial service, music, open house and more. Information: Chief Kramer, 847-683-2629 or ckramer@hampshirefire.org.

AN EVENING OF PRAYER & REMEMBRANCE

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sept. 11, Spring Grove Bible Fellowship, 7664 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove. To honor those who gave their lives, those who continue to give their lives and focus on the One who gives us hope in seemingly hopeless circumstances. Information: 815-675-0041.

ELGIN CHORAL UNION

3:30 p.m. Sept. 11, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. "A Concert of Remembrance" tenth anniversary commemorative concert. Tickets: $25-$50 at 847-931-5900 or www.hemmens.org.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

4:00 p.m. Sept. 11, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard St. (Route 62 and the Fox River), Algonquin. St. Margaret Mary Knights of Columbus Council 11091 invites all to attend a special 10th anniversary memorial service. Let us all get together to honor those who so courageously gave their lives that we may enjoy freedom. Information: 847-658-7625.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

6:30 p.m. Sept. 11, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Special service to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks on American on Sept. 11, 2001. Everyone in the community is invited to the service of remembrance and healing. Information: 815-459-5096.

NEW TRADITION CONCERT

2:00 p.m. Sept. 11, Sheely Center for the Performing Arts, 2300 Sherman Road, Northbrook. Concert will feature music from "Les Miserables," "Guys and Dolls," "West Side Story," "George M. Cohan Tonight," as well as other patriotic music for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Doors open 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 adults in advance ($14 at the door); $8 students at 847-515-7650 or www.sccah.com; 800-746-9246 or www.newtradition.org.

PATRIOTS' DAY PARADE

12:00 p.m., Sept. 11, steps off at Main Street and Lincoln Avenue, Carpentersville. To remember the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy and honor those who were lost. Parade proceeds east to Wisconsin, turns right to Spring Street, to Lord Street then North to Maple to Carpenter Park. Information: 847-426-3439 or www.vil.carpentersville.il.us.

ROCKIN' FOR HONOR FLIGHT

11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sept. 11, Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 2050 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock. Welcome home eight World War II veterans from their trip back from Washington, D.C. Food, vendors and more. Live music by The Screamin End at 11:30 a.m., Blonde on Board at 3 p.m., and featured performance by Grand Funk Railroad at 6 p.m. Rain or shine. Gates open 11 a.m. Tickets: $30 a person available at Woodstock Harley-Davidson and most Fifth Third Banks or visit: www.ticketweb.com. Information: 847-875-0159.

SEPTEMBER 11 CEREMONY

9:00 a.m. Sept. 11, Veterans Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry. The public is invited to join the City of McHenry as they honor the people that lost their lives as well as those that put their lives on the line to protect us. A moment of silence will be observed at 9:05 a.m. marking the time when the South Tower collapsed. The City of McHenry Honor Guard will raise a flag that flew over Firehouse Engine 10 Ladder 10 located across the street from where Tower 2 of the World Trade Center stood. The flag was donated to the city by local businessman Mark Justen. Information: 815-363-2100.

SPECIAL COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE

10:30 a.m. Sept. 11, Hebron United Methodist Church, 9811 Main St., Hebron. The choir will perform two anthems for those who died that day. Police, rescue and firefighters will be honored as well as the survivors of the tragedy. Candles of remembrance and hope will be lit. Information: 815-648-2512 or www.hebronumc.org.

SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE

10:00 a.m. Sept. 11, Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., Algonquin. Service will include a memorial in song for the ten-year anniversary of the tragedy and kick-off the start of the church's fall programs. At the end of the service the congregation will go outside and send prayers in the form of bubbles and return for a pulled-pork luncheon. All are welcome to attend. Information: 847-658-5308 or www.algonquinucc.org.

County Board Member Spotlight:

Tina Hill

Tina Hill was elected to the McHenry County Board in November 2002 and currently resides in Woodstock. Ms. Hill is Chairman of the Planning & Development Committee and is a member of the Building Projects and Finance & Audit Committees. Ms. Hill is also a member of the McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission. Click here to learn more about Ms. Hill.

Tax Bill Reminder

The second installment for the 2010 property taxes for McHenry County property owners is due this Tuesday, 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.

People in Need Forum 2012

PEOPLE IN NEED FORUM 2012 COMMITTEE KICK-OFF

Monday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m.

Shah Center in McHenry, IL

Are you looking for a fun and personally satisfying way to meet new people and serve others? Have you been involved in People in Need previously and know that it's a perfect way to spend the last Saturday in January? Is your agency in the human services business and you are frustrated that there's not enough money, you have too many clients, but still, no one really understands your mission? Do you have fellow staff members who are new to McHenry County and are unaware of what services exist? Are you looking for a way to involve your board members?

The People in Need Forum is many things to many people. Please come join our committee and see what it can mean to you and your agency.

PLANS ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY AND WE ONLY NEED YOU TO BE A REAL SUCCESS!

For more information on the PEOPLE IN NEED FORUM 2012, please contact Bev Thomas:

Bev Thomas

Center for Non-Profit Leadership

McHenry County College, Shah Center

815.479.7792

bthomas@mchenry.edu

Division of Transportation Update

COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE

Rakow Road Reconstruction - The area schools are back in session. The Project Traffic Signal Engineer was able to observe the changing traffic patterns and implement numerous minor adjustments to optimize traffic movements to the extent possible. We will continue to review the signals as traffic settles into the 'school in session' patterns.

While progress may appear to be less than expected recently, much has been accomplished to this point. Completed preparatory work includes relocating the underground utilities, installing 16,600 feet of storm sewers, and placing 33,300 tons of stone base. This will allow the concrete base course construction to start in the next few days with smaller intersection pours, to be followed by mainline paving starting next week. The progress made will become 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.

Lawrence Road Bridge Replacement over Lawrence Creek - Work started on this project on June 27, 2011. The bridge is open to one-way traffic using a temporary traffic signal. Stage I is complete and the one-way traffic will be switched to the new bridge section in the next week.

Graf Road Bridge Replacement over Lawrence Creek - Work started on this project also on June 27, 2011. The new deck beams were set last week and the next step is to pour the concrete deck beam overlay to be followed by building the approach roadways.

Dunham Road Bridge Replacement over Rush Creek - This bridge west of Illinois Route 23 in Dunham Township was also closed in June for replacement, however utility relocations were not able to be completed in a timely manner. The bridge was re-opened to traffic on September 2 and construction will be resumed in the spring of 2012.

Blivin Street Bridge Replacement - The bridge closure was made on August 8, 2011, with the Detour Route marked 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. Utility relocations were anticipated to start at that time but delays have been encountered. The significant public utility relocation challenges are being addressed at this time, however due to lost time it will not be possible to open the bridge to traffic by the milestone date of November 15. All efforts will be made to open the bridge to traffic at the earliest possible date with completion to occur in the spring of 2012.

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.

MCDOT Kicks Off Long-Range Transportation Plan Effort

Over the last twenty years, transportation demand in McHenry County has exploded. With the population increasing over 68% since 1990, more and more people are using the County's roads, trains, buses, and sidewalks. However, McHenry County's transportation infrastructure has not been able to keep up with the increased demand, which is partially due to the rapid rate of growth. There are needs to increase capacity for all modes and users of the County's transportation system...read more.

McHenry County Department of Health Update

PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Flu Clinics Begin Wednesday, September 14

MCDH encourages an annual flu shot for everyone six months and older as the best protection against influenza. Appointments for mercury-free shots for adults and children 9 years and older can be made beginning Tuesday, September 6 at 815-334-4510 (for all clinics) or online at www.mcdh.info. The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.

MCDH flu clinics are scheduled on the following dates/locations:

Woodstock: MCDH (Building A) - 9/14/11, 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.; 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake: Algonquin Township Office - 9/16/11, 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Johnsburg: McHenry Township Office - 9/19/11, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake: MCDH - 9/23/11, 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Crystal Lake: MCDH - 9/24/11, 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Woodstock: MCDH (Building A) - 9/26/11, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Flu is a serious and contagious illness - even healthy people can get it. As the flu season is long and unpredictable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot as soon as vaccine becomes available as it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop to provide protection. A flu shot protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children and the elderly who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick. For more flu information, visit www.mcdh.info.

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

Watersense Kids Games

Do your kids know where their drinking water comes from? How about the water used to grow and cook their food? Or the water they use to wash with and flush the toilet? Here are some fun Water games for kids: click here.

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

McHenry County Sheriff's Office Update

MCSO Warns of Recent Scams in Our Area

Sheriff Keith Nygren would like to advise residents of McHenry County of recent home repair scams that have been occurring in McHenry County. On August 19, 2011 in the 20700 Block of Ridgeview Lane in Marengo, Illinois the Sheriff's Office responded to an incident where the elderly victims were distracted by the offenders who claimed that they were roofers. One offender distracted one victim outside of the property while another offender distracted the other victim inside the house pointing out things inside the house from room to room. After the offenders left, the victims realized money and personal checks had been taken.

McHenry County tends to have two common groups which are called "Self Proclaimed Criminal Travelers" and "Self Proclaimed Criminal Gypsies" work in our area. Both groups commonly will knock at your door, say that they were driving by, and noticed that your driveway or roof needs work. One person will commonly go to the door and distract the victim. While at the front door they may ask for more money, water, something inside the residence, or distract the victim to come outside. Once the victim is distracted, co-offenders will go into the residence and search for valuables or U.S. currency. Frequently this group targets residents who are elderly, or live alone.

"Self Proclaimed Criminal Travelers" are groups of people who scam through paving, rough repairs, barn painting, and lightening rod installations. "Self Proclaimed Criminal Travelers" usually drive impeccably clean pickup trucks with out of state plates, including the state of Wisconsin. Vehicles may have magnet signs attached with their company information with an out of state area code or 800 telephone number. Victims often describe the suspects as Caucasian or Irish. Victims also may enter into written contracts with the travelers and are promised life-time warranties.

"Self Proclaimed Criminal Gypsies" cons usually include seal coating, rough repairs, and replacement. Criminal Gypsies also use pickup trucks with seal coating equipment in the back. One price is often given at the estimate time, and when the job is complete you are told that you owe more money because they used more material than expected. Frequently the service is not professional in appearance and deteriorates over a short period of time or washes away. "Self Proclaimed Criminal Gypsies" are often described as Romanian, Yugoslavian, or may be described as Hispanic, and speak the English language with a heavy foreign accent.

Some suggestions to help protect yourself include: Do not have unsolicited work done on your residence. Implement the 1-2-3 rule. If someone wants to do work at your residence that was not solicited by you:

Wait one day to speak to family members
Wait a second day to speak to friends and neighbors about it
Wait a third day to see if they come back to push you to get the work performed

During the 3 day "waiting" period, contact a local reputable company to obtain a price comparison. Another rule to live by, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, contact your local police or sheriff's office immediately to obtain further assistance.

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

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