McHenry County, IL
11/16/2012

 

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

Ken Koehler  County Board Chairman

 

Dear McHenry County Resident:  

 

I am pleased to announce that McHenry County was recognized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for achieving the Council-Manager (CM) Recognition for its high level of professional local government management through the ICMA Local Government Recognition Process. The ICMA Local Government Recognition Process identifies local governments that, by ordinance, charter, or other legal document, have established positions of professional authority. Recognition means that McHenry County is identified as a local government that provides a legal framework conducive to the practice of professional management. McHenry County is one of three counties in the State of Illinois to have achieved the CM Recognition. The other two are Lake and Champaign Counties.

 

McHenry County joins a total of 3,297 recognized communities (cities, counties, leagues, and councils of governments) from across the United States that have achieved the council-manager recognition through the ICMA Local Government Recognition Process. The County was one of 11 communities to be formally recognized in 2012.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman  

County Department Spotlight:
 Circuit Clerk's Office

 

The Office of the Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining a record of all cases filed and heard by the McHenry County Courts. The Circuit Clerk is responsible for attending all sessions of court and maintaining a record of all proceedings, recording filed documents, and the collection and disbursement of fines and fees. Approximately 85,000 new cases are filed each year with the McHenry County Circuit Clerk, with over $17 million in fines and fees being disbursed by the office.

 

The mission of the McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office is to accurately maintain the court records of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk's Office strives to provide an independent office that provides accessible, responsive, internal and external customer service, while bringing value, quality and satisfaction to the taxpayers of McHenry County.  Click here to learn more about the McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office and for free public access to basic court case information.

 

Click here to learn more about the McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office.

 
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.

Workforce Network Assists Residents 
 

The McHenry County Workforce Network assists residents in need of training and/or employment. Through funds provided under the Federal Workforce Investment Act, Workforce staff provides career advising, resume and job search seminars, mock interviews, resume critiques, networking and support groups, internships/work experience, mentoring, on-the-job-training opportunities and grand funded vocational training...Read More.

MCDOT Update

 

James R. Rakow Road

The James R. Rakow Road project is about 95% complete.  The final surface signals are being activated this week and all lanes should be open soon.  Final landscaping in nearly complete except for spring trees.

 

Walkup Road

This project is now about 65% complete with 80% being the goal for the winter shutdown.  New pavement construction has been proceeding well in Stage II configuration and the new north side pavement at Illinois Route 176 east of Walkup is constructed.  The retaining wall at Veteran Acres is being poured and that work will take through the first week of December. The Illinois Route 176 wall is complete and is ready for backfill.  Stage II of the north section is proceeding with storm sewer, curb and gutter, and asphalt base course set for next week.  Visit www.WalkupRoad.com for more information and to sign up for email updates.

 

Virginia Road/Klasen Road at Illinois Route 31

This project is now about 75% complete. Trinity Drive remains closed to traffic at the Illinois Route 31 intersection and is scheduled for paving this week. The mainline concrete pavement is complete with turn lanes and medians wrapping up now. The traffic signal equipment is just now being delivered and is on a fast track to be ready for signal turn-ons later this month.  Visit www.il31virginia.com for more information and to sign up for email updates.

 

Main Street (Spring Grove) Drainage Repairs

The retaining wall and storm sewer are now complete. The south side sidewalk and final paving remain and are in progress.

 

Miller Road Bridge and Road Improvements

Preliminary utility relocation work and the home demo have been underway. Tree removal is starting this week and the construction of temporary pavement will start next week to allow for winter work as is possible and/or an early spring start-up. MCDOT is currently working with HR Green to develop public notices, the website, a Twitter page, a Facebook page, etc. The early rush on this project is due to the need to have in-stream work complete by April 15 due to spawning season restrictions on work within the waterway.

NACo Rx Discount Drug Card Program

 

Americans are paying more for prescription drugs than ever before.  But there are now a number of prescription drug assistance programs in place to help decrease the costs.

McHenry County is participating in this nationwide prescription drug discount card pilot program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo).  With this card, free to county residents, you can save money on many of your prescription purchases.

 

Free Enrollment for County Residents  

- Average savings of 20%

- No limits

- No age requirements

- No income requirements

- Family coverage

- Use it anytime your prescription is not covered by insurance

  

To obtain your card please visit one of the following sites:

 

McHenry County Administration

667 Ware Road in Woodstock
815-334-4000

 

McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N. Seminary Ave., Building A in Woodstock

815-334-4510

 

Other Resources: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Locate a Pharmacy

The NACO Website

Open House for Holiday Food Safety

 

Planning for holiday meals should include more than a delicious menu and invited guests. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling as well. An informational open house is planned for Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N Virginia Street.

 

Holiday meal preparation often means cooking large quantities of food at one time, which can make it difficult to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Staff members will be on hand to share healthy holiday recipes and safe food handling tips to reduce the risk of food-borne illness including safe thawing options, methods for preparing large volumes of food safely and proper ways to handle leftovers.

 

Brochures, healthy holiday recipe cards, fact sheets and refrigerator magnets will be made available. Residents can also register to win refrigerator and food thermometers.

 

Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH for investigation.  Staff can be reached at 815-334-4585, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.   Visit www.foodsafety.gov for other tips.

MCSO Safety Tips

 

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office reminds residents of some safety tips when you are pulled over during a traffic stop:

 

- Pull over in well lit and well traveled areas when possible

- Ask officers not in uniform to provide you with a badge and department identification

- If you are concerned for your safety, contact 911 for police assistance

 

There has been a recent report of a suspicious person and vehicle trying to pull over a car in the Crystal Lake area. Please take the proper precautions with the above safety tip.

Protect Pets in Disasters

 

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) included pet preparedness as part of its 2012 Preparedness Campaign. IEMA encourages pet owners to take additional steps when planning for disasters to ensure the safety of their animals. The agency suggests a pet preparedness kit with a three-day supply of food and water, extra pet medicines, pet photos, along with toys or treats to lessen the pets' stress. For more information about planning for emergencies and natural disasters, visit www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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 Tuberculosis Board
  • McHenry County Senior Services Grant Commission
  • McHenry County Mental Health Board

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

 

In This Issue
ICMA Recognition
Department Spotlight
Report Card
Workforce Network
MCDOT Update
Drug Card Program
Food Safety
Article Headline
Protect Your Pets
Appointments

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 


Click here!

 

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