McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

12/21/2012

A message from the Chairwoman...

Tina R. Hill

County Board

Chairwoman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

On December 3 I was honored to be selected as the new McHenry County Board Chairwoman by my fellow County Board Members. As only the third female to serve in this role in the County's history, I am privileged to both lead the County Board and serve you over the next two years. During this time, we will continue to make McHenry County a great place to live, work, and call home.

In my first few weeks as the Chairwoman, I have already begun work with my fellow Board Members to hit the ground running in 2013. Also, on December 3 we welcomed nine new County Board Members. The new members are: Yvonne Barnes (District 1), Nick Chirikos (District 1), Carolyn Schofield (District 2), Mary McClellan (District 3), Michael Walkup (District 3), Joseph Gottemoller (District 3), Bob Martens (District 4), Michael Skala (District 5), and Michele Aavang (District 6). These new members bring a welcome mix of experience and enthusiasm to the Board that will be invaluable as we tackle the challenges that face us in the New Year.

Currently, I am working with County Board Members on identifying organizational priorities for the coming year, meeting with regional transportation representatives to discuss issues facing the County, and engaging other stakeholders in the County on issues that affect them. Before we embark on this exciting new journey, let me wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from myself and the entire McHenry County Board.

Sincerely,

Tina R. Hill

County Board Chairwoman

County Department Spotlight:

Veterans Assistance Commission

The Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County provides services to the local veterans community in the areas of Financial Assistance, VA Claims & Advocacy, Transportation to the North Chicago VA Medical Center, and Referrals Assistance.

Click here to learn more about the Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County.

Meet Your New County Board Members

On Monday, December 3 nine new McHenry County Board Members were sworn into office. They are:

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4

District 5

District 6

Click here to view the remainder of the McHenry County Board.

Take Steps to Prepare for Wintry Weather

Before the forecast calls for snow and potential hazardous driving conditions, McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents that taking preventive action is the best defense against winter's harsh temperatures. By preparing yourself in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems...Read More.

Food Safety Tips for Preparing Holiday Meals

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...Click here for food safety tips.

Take Time to Prepare for Emergencies

The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person's abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared...Read More.

MCDOT Update

Construction

Rakow Road has been completed. Aside from a few punch list items and tree planting in the spring, this $26 million project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget. The project website was very successful to help keep motorists aware of weekly progress. The website had over 21,500 hits with emails being sent to over 230 residents. Here is a sample comment from a resident from November:

"I really have appreciated theses updates. I forward them to my friends and family, and they all appreciate it and want me to thank you. It really has been a BIG help with our travel time knowing we need to leave earlier for work etc. (GIANT SMILEY FACE)"

Visit the project website to also see the ribbon cutting ceremony pictures: www.RakowRoad.com.

Miller Road construction has begun. The project has been split into two phases. Phase 1 is from roughly a ¼ mile east of Green Street to River Road. Over this winter, the new bridge that will carry the new westbound lanes will be built. The existing bridge will be used for the eastbound lanes. For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates, Facebook and Twitter, visit the project website at www.CharlesMillerRoad.com.

Walkup Road is now 80% complete and fully prepared for winter shutdown. The project, originally scheduled for completion in 2012, was delayed by AT&T. Project completion is now scheduled for spring 2013. The final project includes a new traffic signal at Mason Hill Road, a bicycle/pedestrian path linking Prairie Ridge High School to downtown Crystal Lake, a new wetland within Veteran Acres Park, replacement of aged water mains, and additional travel/turning lanes at Illinois Route 176 which will improve the operations and safety of the intersection.

For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates, Facebook and Twitter, visit the project website at www.WalkupRoad.com.

Western Algonquin Bypass - Work will continue through the winter on the retaining walls and bridges for the bypass over Algonquin Road. Algonquin Road will remain one lane in each direction through the summer of 2013. Completion of the entire project is anticipated in 2014. Visit http://www.dot.il.gov/IL31alg/index.html for project updates.

Bridges

The MCDOT has completed three bridge replacement projects this year, all lead by MCDOT Construction Engineering staff and totaling approximately $3.5 million in construction costs.

1. The Blivin Street Bridge in the Village of Spring Grove.

2. The Graf Road Bridge over the Piscasaw Creek in Chemung Township.

3. The Dunham Road Bridge over the Rush Creek in Dunham Township.

Bids were opened for the Hill Road Bridge in Richmond Township and the Lawrence Road Bridge in November for construction in 2013.

Donate to Your Local Food Pantry

As the result of a successful food drive during our annual holiday party, McHenry County Employees collected over 50 boxes of food for our local food pantries. Join us and make a generous gift to those in need this holiday season.

Click here for a list of food pantries in the McHenry County area.

NACo Rx Drug Card Program

Through the National Association of Counties (NACo), McHenry County is able to offer its residents a free prescription discount card. With Americans paying more for prescription drugs than ever before, County residents can save money on many of the prescriptions they purchase with this card.

The NACo Prescription Discount Card includes:

- 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, visit one of the following locations:

McHenry County Administration Department

667 Ware Road, Woodstock
815-334-4298

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

815-334-4510

For more information, please use the following links: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Locate a Pharmacy

The NACo Website

Who are the McHenry County Victim Service Representatives and What Do They Do?

The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office has two Victim Service Representatives. They are Susan VanDiggelen and Araceli "Celi" Alvarez. Few people know of the function of the Victim Service Representatives and the dedicated work these two employees perform. Let this article introduce you to them and their work.

The Victim Service Representatives provide services to victims, witnesses, and family members of violent crimes that have been committed in McHenry County. The primary function of the Victim Witness Representatives is to serve as a contact point for the victims, witnesses, and family members throughout the entire criminal justice process. Furthering that, they provide a wide variety of services, including the following:

They ensure full compliance with the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act (725 ILCS 120), and the procedures and mandates of the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office. They exercise discretion, independent judgment and their professional skills in assessing and serving the needs of victims by effectively responding to the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath of victimization.
Susan and Celi participate in the Family Violence Council and regularly attend meetings with school officials, counselors, police officers, crisis center advocates and other Illinois Victim Advocates and Agencies.
Susan and Celi also coordinate with victims, witnesses, and family members all court dates, explain court procedures and reasons for any postponements or delays, and assist in the preparation for trial.
They assess the service needs of the victims, witnesses, and family members and make the appropriate referrals to other social service agencies.
They assist child victims, witnesses, and family members with special needs prior to and during the court proceedings and attempt to reduce the anxiety experienced by all of their clients.
They coordinate the availability of witnesses and victims with the prosecuting Assistant State's Attorney and act as a liaison between the attorney and the victims and witnesses.
They also help victims and family members prepare impact statements, procure return of stolen or personal property held as evidence, and process claims through the Victim Compensation Program by assisting in the compilation of the necessary documents to be submitted to the Attorney General's Office.
They also help applicants through the process of securing a U-Visa in violent crime cases.
Finally, Susan and Celi participate in multi-disciplinary teams from police departments, the Child Advocacy Center, Turning Point, DCFS, the Youth Service Bureau and the Northwest Treatment Center, just to name a few.

If you or a family member are ever unfortunate enough to be the victim of, or a witness to, a violent crime, it is Susan and Celi that will be your point of contact and guide you as painlessly as possible through the court system from the very first court appearance to a sentencing hearing. These two ladies coordinate all activities between victims and witnesses and the State's Attorney's Office and the court system. State's Attorney Lou Bianchi is proud to have Susan VanDiggelen and Celi Alvarez serve the County.