McHenry County, IL
5/18/2012

 

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

Ken Koehler  County Board Chairman

 

Dear McHenry County Resident:  

 

With graduation approaching, the McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force would like to remind the community about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking. According to statistics presented at the McHenry County Mayor's Caucus, youth are illustrating a dramatic increase in periodic alcohol consumption between sixth and twelfth grades (i.e. almost 50% of sixth- twelfth graders have drank alcohol in the last month).  Source: Illinois Youth Survey.

 

In September 2010, I convened the first meeting of the McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force to address the continued trend of underage drinking and to educate parents and the community of the dangers of underage drinking.  Attendees included: social service agencies, school officials, law enforcement officers from various local governments including those from the McHenry Sheriff's Office, parents, the State's Attorney's office, the McHenry County Probation Office, the Mental Health Board, and other groups.

 

To date, the Task Force has met with the McHenry County Mayor's Caucus to illustrate how underage drinking poses a significant risk to County residents and how current practices regarding curbing underage drinking are inadequate and lack consistency across the County. The mayors were very receptive and expressed interest in continuing the dialog.  Current activities the Task Force are presently involved include local projects such as Project Sticker Shock (which was completed countywide on April 26), Party Watch, and the Teen Tip Hot Line (1-800-762-7867).

 

At the state level, there is a law that conveys liability for providing alcohol to underage youth. To paraphrase, it states in part "if the impaired youth causes death, injury or property destruction as a result of the impairment, the person of at least 18 who provided the alcohol could receive a Class 4 felony, as well as be liable for economic costs, non-economic costs, attorney's fees, court fees and punitive damages." Ultimately, parents continue to play a crucial role in a child's life for the decisions they will make.  Clear expectations and rules will help keep our teens safe.  Know the laws and make decisions early.

 

If you would like to get involved in the McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force, please contact Task Force Co-Chair Connee Meschini (School District 200) at 815-206-2840 or Task Force Co-Chair Chris Gleason (Family Service & Community Mental Health Center for McHenry County) at 815-669-2441. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

 
County Department Spotlight:
McHenry County Court Services  

 

The overall departmental mission of Court services is to serve the courts by providing quality and meaningful investigations to assist the court in decision making, and to supervise those persons sentenced, under court order, in the community. Probation officers provide assistance and guidance to the offender so that he/she may be reintegrated into society in a productive and meaningful manner. The probation officer recognizes that probation, as a sentence, is a viable alternative to incarceration and that community safety is always the Department's main goal...Learn More about Court Services.

MCDOT Update

 

IDOT Long-Range State Transportation Plan

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently created the 2012 Long Range State Transportation Plan (Plan) website. The website was created to provide information about the Plan, the amendment process, schedule and to gather public input regarding the Plan...Read More 

 

CONSTUCTION UPDATE

 

James R. Rakow Road

The nice spring weather was good for pavement construction. All major concrete machine pours are now complete and the smaller hand pours and curb and gutter are in progress. Please drive with caution as the work zone activity is increasing substantially and traffic lanes are shifting to allow complete reconstruction of the cross road intersections. Remember to plan your trip ahead as we work to complete this part of the project as quickly as possible. Sign up for email updates at www.RakowRoad.com.

 

The James R. Rakow Road project is now more than 55% complete. The noise wall at Ackman Road is up and the concrete deck on the pedestrian/bike bridge will be poured soon. The McHenry County Division of Transportation hopes to have the relocated Bike Path and bridge open for the Memorial Day weekend.

 

Walkup Road

Work on the Walkup Road project is underway with utility relocations, temporary traffic signal installation, storm sewer and water main work. Follow the project to keep informed and help you make decisions before you travel. Remember to plan ahead. Visit the project website at www.WalkupRoad.com for more information.

 

Virginia Road/Klasen Road at IL 31

The Virginia Road/Klasen Road at IL 31 will relocate Virginia Road to the north for safer operations and widen Illinois Route 31 to a four lane, divided roadway at a cost of $8.6 million. Work is underway with utility relocations, temporary pavement and traffic signals. This project will tie into the future Western Algonquin Bypass. Visit the project website at www.il31virginia.com for more information and to sign up for email updates.

 

Bridge Construction

The Graf Road Bridge over the Piscasaw Creek in Chemung Township was closed to traffic on Monday, March 5th. The abutments, deck beams, poured concrete deck and waterway improvements are complete at this time. Project completion is anticipated by the end of August 2012.

 

The Dunham Road Bridge over Rush Creek in Dunham Township is well underway with work on the east abutment and waterway. Demolition of the west half of the bridge will follow along with completion of new roadside ditches. 

Mental Health Board Annual Public Hearing

 

Please join The McHenry County Mental Health Board at 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake on Monday, May 21 for its annual public hearing from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m...Read More 

McHenry County Sheriff's Office Update

 

National Police Week: May 13-19

National Police Week is May 13-19, 2012. National Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of United States law enforcement. This week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office will be placing blue ribbons on the department's marked squad cars, May 13-19, to show support for National Police Week. These ribbons are part of a national awareness campaign by Concerns of Police Survivors. The public is welcome to pick up a blue ribbon from the Sheriff's Office Administration Office to join us in our support.

 

May 15, 2012 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Officers from around the world come together in Washington, DC at the National Police Officer's Memorial, to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. In 2011, 163 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty and will be honored on May 15.

 

As of May 11, 2012, the number of law enforcement officer fatalities in 2012 has decreased 43% as compared to one year ago today. The most significant reduction has been in firearm related deaths.   Over recent years, the numbers have been rising. We remain hopeful that in 2012, we will see a reduction.

 

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office trains deputies and correction officers year round on various topics: officer safety, firearm handling skills, control tactics, various interpersonal communications, traffic safety, and more. Training and officer safety are two vital components to a police officer's successful career.

 

National Police Week is a collaborative effort dedicated to honoring America's law enforcement community. The three main organizers of Police Week are:

 

  • National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which sponsors the annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
  • Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA), which organize the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol.
  • Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), which holds the National Police Survivors' Conference.

 

Additional information on National Police Week can be found at National Police Officer's Memorial

Fund: http://www.nleomf.org/memorial/ and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S): http://www.nationalcops.org/.

 

 

Residential Waste and Electronic Recycling

 

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has partnered with several businesses and community organizations to collect and recycle electronic waste and other recyclable materials at no cost to residents.  Residents can drop off items on Saturday, May 19, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock...Read More 

McHenry County Blood Drive

 

How often are you able to give someone the gift of life?  Every three seconds, someone in this country needs blood.  That need continues to grow, but with just one blood donation you can save up to three lives.  Blood donated to Heartland Blood Centers benefits many hospitals in the Chicagoland area, including Woodstock and McHenry.  Please consider giving the gift of life this summer! The next blood drive this summer is:

 

         Thursday, June 14 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Heartland Blood Center Mobile Coach Bus -

County Administration Building Parking Lot

 

To register, please click the following link: http://iwebb.heartlandbc.org/pls/iwebb/adrv?pdz=75038&pdr=DRV2016511.

 

Sign-up Instructions:
1) Select a time you are willing to donate and click SAVE APPOINTMENT.
2) An email confirmation will be sent to you!

 

Everyone who donates will receive a gift card for a free quart of Oberweis Ice Cream!

 

If you have any questions, please contact Adam Lehmann in McHenry County Administration at 815-334-0309.

 

 
Open House on the Green Infrastructure Plan

 

Please join the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development on Thursday, May 31st to learn about the Draft McHenry County Green Infrastructure Plan and provide the county with your feedback.  This event will be held between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the McHenry County Administration Building (667 Ware Road in Woodstock).  Because of its open house format, attendees may arrive at any time to learn about the plan, green infrastructure concepts, and how these concepts promote the county's goals of natural resource protection and intergovernmental cooperation.  Presentations will be given periodically and exhibits and copies of the plan will be on display.  County staff will also be available to answer questions and receive comments...Read More

County Appointments

 

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

  • McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission
  • McHenry County Housing Commission
  • McHenry County Board of Health (Registered Nurse)

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

 

'Weather Alert Radios Save Lives' Contest

 

McHenry County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director David Christensen today announced the local winners in a statewide weather alert radio contest. Mike Vest of Harvard, Mary Teddy of Crystal Lake, Karen Braden of McHenry, and Gergely Fejer of Cary each received one of 100 NOAA weather alert radios as winners in the 'Weather Alert Radios Save Lives' contest sponsored by the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Winners were selected randomly from more than 3,500 entries.

 

"A weather alert radio is like having your own personal storm siren in your home," said EMA Director David Christensen. "Tornadoes and other hazards can occur any time of the day or night. A weather alert radio will warn you of approaching danger 24 hours a day, giving you and your family time to get to a safe place."

 

Contest participants read information about weather alert radios and completed a five-question quiz in order to register for the drawing. The contest, which ran from Feb. 28 through March 31, was available through the IESMA website (www.iesma.org), the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) and on many county emergency management agency websites.

 

The National Weather Service (NWS) and state and local emergency management officials strongly encourage people to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards with battery backup, a tone-alert feature and Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology, which allows the radio to be programmed to receive alerts for specified counties. When an alert is issued for that area, the device will sound a warning alarm tone followed by the broadcast message.

 

Besides weather information, the NWS also broadcasts warnings and post-event information for all types of hazards, including natural, environmental and public safety hazards, such as earthquakes, chemical spills and AMBER alerts.

McHenry County HAM Radio Field Day

 

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) division of the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency will be participating in Field Day on Saturday, June 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 24th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The Field Day station will be located in the front of the McHenry County Government Center at 2200 N. Seminary Ave in Woodstock, IL.  The public will have a unique opportunity to operate official Field Day stations and learn firsthand what Ham radio is all about...Read More.

MCDH Update

 

 Beach Sampling Program 

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will begin its beach sampling program on Wednesday, May 23 to ensure residents enjoy a safe and healthy swimming season.  Testing of the County's 35 beaches is done every 2 weeks, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, to monitor for E. coli bacteria - a health risk indicator.  Samples are taken from both shallow and deep areas and compared to acceptable limits set by the State Health Department. 

 

Sample results are posted regularly and can include a swimmer's advisory or closure of the beach, if elevated E. coli levels are found. Beach results are posted online at www.mcdh.info, link to Environmental Health, "public beaches".

 

The best way to prevent recreational water illness is to keep out germs in the first place. Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these seven healthy swimming steps:

 

  • PLEASE don't swim when you have diarrhea.
  • PLEASE don't swallow the water.
  • PLEASE practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before and after swimming; wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
  • PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
  • PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom or diaper-changing area.
  • PLEASE wash your children (after toileting) with soap and water before they go swimming.
  • PLEASE don't swim 24 hours after a heavy rainfall. 

 

Gastroenteritis-type exposure to contaminated recreational waters could result in illnesses including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with headache and low grade fever.  Early public notification can prevent additional people from getting sick.  If you become sick after swimming at a McHenry County beach, notify MCDH at 815-334-4585 as well as the beach operator. For information about healthy swimming, visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming.

 

In This Issue
UADTF
Department Spotlight
MCDOT Update
Annual Hearing
MCSO Update
Recycling
Blood Drive
Green Infrastructure
Appointments
Weather Radios
Field Day
MCDH Update

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 Schmidt 

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 


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