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County Department Spotlight:
Emergency Management Agency
The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is responsible for developing a county-wide emergency preparedness plan to coordinate all resources in McHenry County for any foreseeable emergency or disaster such as storms, air collisions, hazardous material incidents, police emergencies, etc. EMA provides coordination and acts as a liaison between local government, state and federal agencies during disasters and emergencies.
EMA also coordinates response to hazardous material incidents and serves as the staff agency for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the McHenry County Coordinating Council. The Council will serve in a coordinating role for state, township, municipal, and county functions to pool their collective knowledge to support preparation and mitigation efforts.
Click here to learn more about the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency. |
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MCDH Update
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus.
McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has reported that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Fox River Grove have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first positive test for WNV in McHenry County since last year. MCDH has tested 122 mosquito batches as of July 11 and all other batches tested negative for WNV. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) indicates that as of July 5th, 19 other counties have reported 64 positive mosquito batches and 17 positive birds, but no human cases so far this year. One human case of WNV was reported in McHenry County in each of the last two years. Six birds have been submitted and tested with negative results.
IDPH believes that a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season (mid-October) and will accept a limited number of dead birds for testing. It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost. Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, and wear long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection. Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible. Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease. For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585. |
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MCDOT Update
Rakow Road
All main-line concrete base course is essentially complete and cross street intersection reconstruction is the focus. Asphalt paving of the new westbound lanes is expected to start in early August. Please drive with caution as the work zone activity has increased and traffic lanes are shifting. Sign up for email updates at www.RakowRoad.com.
The project is now about 70% complete. Electrical work on the traffic signals and roadway lighting is in full swing, along with topsoil placement and landscaping work. The relocated Prairie Trail bike path and new pedestrian bridge were opened to the public on June 14.
Walkup Road
Utility relocation work has progressed to the point where temporary pavements have been constructed near the IL Route 176 intersection allowing the project to now fully progress. The temporary closure of the south leg of Walkup Avenue to the railroad crossing for reconstruction took place on July 2 and should last about two months. This stage included the activation of a temporary traffic signal at Main Street and IL Route 176 to allow northbound access to Walkup Road from the downtown area and the train station. The north end of the project is now clear of utility conflicts and construction has resumed. Follow us 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 Illinois Route 31
This project will relocate Virginia Road to the north for safer operations and widen IL Route 31 to a four lane, divided roadway at a cost of $8.6 million. Work is progressing well with paving of the new northbound lanes starting on July 11. The closure of Klasen Road for about two months for reconstruction took place on June 25, and a marked detour is provided using Cary-Algonquin Road. This project will tie into the future Western Algonquin Bypass. Visit the project website at www.il31virginia.com for more information and sign up for email updates.
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
The Graf Road Bridge over the Piscasaw Creek in Chemung Township (pictured left) was completed and opened to traffic on June 15 about ten weeks ahead of schedule.
The Dunham Road Bridge over Rush Creek in Dunham Township is progressing well with the concrete deck pour taking place on July 9.
The Hill Road Bridge in Richmond Township was not awarded by IDOT to the low bidder within the required time frame. As a result, the project will have to be re-bid with construction to then occur in 2013. |
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MCSO Crime Mapping Program Collaboration
McHenry County is recognized as a good steward of taxpayer funds through conservative budget practices. This has allowed the County to obtain and maintain a Aaa bond rating through Moody's Financial Services. The strength behind the County's success is not only the result of the policies set by the elected officials but also the innovative, dedicated and creative employees that make up the McHenry County Government workforce.
McHenry County Government employees are continually finding ways to challenge the status quo of service delivery by working collaboratively with fellow employees across department lines and other local governments. A recent collaboration that exemplifies this is the development of the McHenry County Sheriff's Office Crime Mapping Program. The development of a mapping system with an outside vendor could have potentially cost thousands of dollars. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office instead chose to challenge the McHenry County Geographic Information Systems Department to create this program...Read More |
Veterans Benefits
Aid and Attendance and Disability Compensation
The Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County Superintendent Michael Iwanicki will be speaking about veterans benefits (aid, attendance and disability compensation) on Wednesday, July 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Woodstock.
Michael Iwanicki is an accredited Veterans Service Officer recognized by the VA General Counsel to prepare and process claims on behalf of veterans and their eligible family members. The Veterans Assistance Commission has helped McHenry County veterans receive millions of dollars in VA Pension and Disability Benefits.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
When: Wednesday, July 25 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation
2406 Hartland Road
Woodstock, IL |
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McHenry County Strategic Plan Report Card
Did you know that McHenry County Government has a strategic plan that guides organizational operations?
As part of McHenry County's strategic planning effort undertaken in 2012, the County developed an action plan to be accomplished over the current fiscal year. Click here to view the McHenry County Strategic Plan Report Card. |
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MCSO Update
New "Offender Watch" Website Link
McHenry County Sheriff's Office has launched a new sex offender registration and public notification website called Offender Watch. Citizens can access the Offender Watch registry through the McHenry County Sheriff's Office website.
The McHenry County Sheriff's Office will be part of a nationwide network of over 4500 law enforcement agencies which includes over half of the Illinois Sheriff's Offices and police departments. The new service is a citizen-friendly, easy to use website that enables citizens to search for potentially dangerous sex offenders and predators which may be in close proximity to their residence and other important locations. The information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is updated in real time by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office as offender information changes and is reported.
Click here to learn more about the McHenry County Sheriff's Office "Offender Watch".
National Night Out
The McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County Sheriff's Office and the Wonder Lake Fire Department team up to present National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime to promote crime prevention and safety programs, while strengthening police-community partnerships and encouraging neighborhood camaraderie. The evening is action packed with food and fun for the entire family.
Tuesday, August 7, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Harrison Benwell Conservation Area
7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake, IL
Stop by for complimentary food and beverages and enjoy the ongoing activities. Information booths include Child Passenger Safety Information and Project S.W.E.E.P., as well as various police and fire equipment that will be on display. Please check www.mccdistrict.org for event updates.
Special Demonstrations
5:30 p.m. - Extrication - WLFPD
5:50 p.m. - Precision Riding Motorcycle Demo - MCCD
6:10 p.m. - Police K9 Demo - MCSO
6:50 p.m. - Extrication - WLFD 7:10 p.m. - Precision Riding Motorcycle Demo - MCCD |
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Mental Health Court Graduation Ceremony
22nd Judicial Circuit and McHenry County
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Date: |
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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Time: |
6:30 p.m. (East Entrance)
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Where: |
McHenry County Government Center
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Courtroom 204
Woodstock, IL
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Presentation: |
Michelle Rock, Director
Illinois Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Justice |
"When one person rises out of mental illness/substance use and crime, WE ALL RISE!" |
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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 Senior Services Grant Commission
- McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals
Click here to view board and commission descriptions and to obtaining an application.
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