McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

6/28/2013

A message from the Chairwoman...

Tina R. Hill

County Board

Chairwoman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

As we celebrate the birthday of our nation next week on July 4, take a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices endured by our many service members. When our service members return home from their service overseas, it is always a jubilant occasion.

Through Friday, July 12, McHenry County will be hosting a 6-foot-tall replica of the famous Seward Johnson sculpture "Unconditional Surrender" (also known as "Kiss Seen Around the World") in the lobby of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. "The Kiss Seen Around the World" scene is one of the most romantic and enduring photos of the 20th century. It captures the famous LIFE magazine photo of the Time Square Kiss depicting the moment when a nurse was kissed by a joyous sailor on August 14, 1945 (VJ Day).

Take the opportunity between now and Friday, July 12 to view this wonderful piece of artwork at the McHenry County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Sincerely,

Tina R. Hill

County Board Chairwoman

For more information on the "Unconditional Surrender" replica sculpture or to view a photo of the sculpture, please click here.

VAC Programs

The McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission offers programs and services for all McHenry County veterans. Click here for more information.

Disaster Recovery Information

Deadline Set to Register for Disaster Assistance

The last day for McHenry County residents to register for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Tuesday, July 9. County residents affected by the severe storms, straight line winds, or flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5, 2013 are strongly urged to call or go online to register for disaster assistance from FEMA...Read More.

SBA an Additional Resource to Residents

In addition to funds from FEMA, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has made Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans available for County residents affected by the severe storms, straight line winds, or flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5. Whether you rent or own your own home, or own your own business, you may be eligible for assistance from the SBA...Read More.

SBA Loan Application is Key to Some FEMA Grants

FEMA disaster assistance applicants who do not complete and submit the companion U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance loan application could be throwing money away...Read More.

Denial of FEMA Assistance Offers Options for Appeal

A letter from FEMA denying federal disaster assistance may not be the final word. Applicants for disaster assistance should not be discouraged or disappointed if such a letter is received. Receipt of these letters does not necessarily mean "case closed."...Read More.

For more information, please visit the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center.

MCDOT Update

Charles J. Miller Road

The project has been split into two phases. Phase 1 is roughly .25 miles east of Green Street to River Road. Over the winter, the new bridge that will carry the new westbound lanes will be built. The existing bridge will be used for the eastbound lanes.

The project is 45% complete. Pouring of the bridge deck will be done in two separate pours over the next two weeks. Asphalt paving has begun on both Charles J. Miller Road and River Road.

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

Walkup Road

The Walkup Road project is 86% complete with the final work in full swing. Curb installation is complete on Walkup Road and the remaining items include the traffic signal equipment, final paving, roadway striping a landscaping. Project completion is scheduled for early summer 2013.

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

Western Algonquin Bypass

Work continues on the Western Algonquin Bypass project with an estimated completion date of summer 2014. Please visit www.dot.il.gov/il31alg/index.html for more information.

MCDOT is on Facebook

In addition to project related Facebook pages, the MCDOT now has a Facebook page. Click here to "Like" the MCDOT to keep up to date on:

- Current projects during construction

- Upcoming public meetings for projects

- Other functions of the MCDOT

MCDH Update

Tips to keep wildlife at bay

McHenry County Animal Control (MCAC) has received numerous calls recently for wildlife removal. MCAC can provide assistance with domestic animal issues, but it does not provide wildlife removal services. Wildlife concerns/complaints are best left to professional nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCO). Due to safety concerns, in most cases, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommends that you hire a NWCO to remove the bird or animal that is causing a problem...Read More.

Tips to beat the heat

With temperatures expected to remain high over the next week, McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents of important health tips to ensure time spent outdoors is safe and comfortable...Read More.

Hot weather tips for pet owners

With the weather forecast calling for extreme heat over the next week, McHenry County Animal Control (MCAC) urges pet owners to take special precautions...Read More.

Mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has reported that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Harvard 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 128 mosquito batches as of June 20; all other batches tested negative for WNV. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) indicates that as of June 19, two other counties have reported two positive mosquito batches, but no human cases so far this year. No human cases of WNV were reported in McHenry County in 2012. Two birds have been submitted and tested with negative results...Read More.

Electronic Filing for all Civil Case Types

McHenry County Circuit Court Clerk, Katherine Keefe and 22nd Circuit Chief Judge, Michael J. Sullivan, announced they have received approval from the Illinois Supreme Court to move forward with the implementation of electronic filing for all civil case types in the 22nd Circuit Court...Read More.

Community Partners Art Exhibit

The 5th Annual Community Partners Art Exhibit is seeking artists to display their work! Click here for more information.