McHenry County, IL
8/26/2013

 

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

 

Tina R. Hill

County Board

Chairwoman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

 

I am excited to announce that this past week, McHenry County Government launched its new website. This new and improved website contains features such as:

 

- A new look and feel;

- Improved navigation;

- E-Notification with webpage updates;

- A robust "How Do I?" section;

- Mobile device view (phone or tablet).

 

After you visit and explore the website, please take the opportunity and provide us with feedback. With your input, we will make continued improvements to the website.  Click here to visit the McHenry County website.

 
Sincerely,

 

Tina R. Hill

County Board Chairwoman

Department Spotlight:
Regional Office of Education

 

The McHenry County Regional Office of Education's mission is to serve the students, teachers and families of McHenry County to ensure all children have access to a world class education. Click here to learn more about the McHenry County Regional Office of Education.

McHenry County Sheriff's Office Update 

 

Large Scale Evacuation Drill Training

On Saturday, August 17, 2013 the McHenry County Sheriff's Office hosted a simulated mass evacuation drill of the Correctional Facility. This drill was conducted with assistance from the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency, Woodstock Fire Department, Du Page County Sheriff's Office, Kane County Sheriff's Office, and the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

 

This drill, the first to be held at this magnitude in McHenry County and the State of Illinois, was to exercise and evaluate the execution of a mass evacuation of the Correctional Facility. The drill assisted the Sheriff's Office in realizing that the many policies and practices in place were well executed. It further pointed out needs that we will now be better prepared for in the future. In addition to testing evacuation procedures, this drill also assisted in testing communications, and the use of the incident command/unified command systems...Read More.

MCDH Update

 

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. McHenry County Department of Health joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in highlighting the importance of immunizations throughout our lives. Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death.  Because of the success of vaccines in preventing diseases, parents may not have heard of some of today's vaccines or the serious diseases they prevent...Read More.

 

Quit smoking classes begin September 4

McHenry County Department of Health and Centegra Health System are partnering to offer a once-a-week quit smoking class for adults. The classes will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification. It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that is trained in the American Lung Association's "Freedom from Smoking" program...Read More.

Road Construction Update

 

Charles J. Miller Road

The project is 75% complete. Traffic has been switched to the new bridge.  Repairs to the existing bridge have begun.  Roadway work continues on both Charles 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.

 

Johnsburg Road

The project is now 45% complete.  Stage one paving has been completed and traffic has been switched to the new pavement.  The westbound only detour is still in effect.  Stage two pavement removal and earth work is underway.  Sign up for email alerts, Facebook and/or Twitter at: www.johnsburgroad.com.

 

Virginia Road Park and Ride

Mass grading, concrete curb and gutter and aggregate base have been completed.  Installation of the lighting and asphalt pavement is ongoing.

 

2040 Long Range Transportation Plan

To learn more about the 2040 Plan, provide input and see what others have to say, go to www.2040mchenrycountyplan.org.

 

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

5th Annual Vision of Hope Awards 

 

The McHenry County Behavioral Health Foundation (BHF) is accepting nominations for the 5th Annual Visions of Hope Awards that honor one outstanding volunteer and one individual or organization for outstanding efforts in raising awareness of recovery from mental illness.

 

"This is an opportunity for an individual, business, organization or school to gain recognition for their accomplishments and successes in making a difference in others' lives, as well as their own," according to Bev Thomas, president of the BHF.

 

Ms. Thomas notes that these awards serve two purposes. "We want to honor those who have worked hard to help people in their recovery, and at the same time heighten awareness that recovery from mental illness is not only possible, but it should be a goal for everyone."

 

The federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHA) defines recovery as "A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential."

 

The two awards will be presented on Friday, November 1, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the opening reception of the Community Partners 5th Annual Art exhibit. The exhibit is held in the Sage Gallery of the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake.

 

This art exhibit features the work of individuals and families who have received services from McHenry County Mental Health Board affiliated agencies, and is a perfect venue for presentation of the Visions of Hope awards.

 

The Outstanding Volunteer award honors an individual who has struggled through behavioral health challenges and has moved on to help others while continuing with their own recovery. The Outstanding Leadership Award honors an individual, business, school or organization in McHenry County that has made a significant contribution to help others believe in recovery, and has assisted in making recovery a reality.

  

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 16, 2013. For further information about how to nominate a person or organization for the Visions of Hope Awards, contact the BHF office at 815-308-0866 or send an email to srs.mcbhf@gmail.com. For questions about the art exhibit, contact Barbara Iehl at 815-788-6364, or email biehl@mc708.org.

Board and Commission Appointments

 

Have you ever wanted to serve on an appointed Board or Commission in McHenry County?  The McHenry County Board is accepting applications for appointments to the following boards and commissions:

 

- McHenry County Housing Commission

- McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission

- McHenry County Housing Authority Board

- McHenry County Community Development Block Grant

 

Please click here to view board and commission descriptions and to obtain an application.

In This Issue
New County Website
Department Spotlight
MCSO Update
MCDH
Construction Update
Vision of Hope Awards
Boards and Commissions

McHenry County Board

 

 

 

District 1

Anna May Miller 

   

 

District 1

Yvonne Barnes

 

 

District 1

Nick Chirikos 

 

 

District 1

Bob Nowak 

   

District 2

Carolyn Schofield 

   

District 2

Jim Heisler 

 

District 2

Donna Kurtz 

 

District 2

Ken Koehler 

 

 

District 3

Nick Provenzano 

 

  

District 3

Michael Walkup

  

District 3

Joseph Gottemoller

  

District 3

Mary McClellan

 

District 4

Sue Draffkorn 

 

 

District 4

John D. Hammerand 

  

District 4

Bob Martens

 

 

District 4

Sandra Fay Salgado 

  

District 5

Tina Hill 

 

District 5

Paula Yensen 

 

 District 5

John Jung, Jr. 

  

District 5

Michael Skala

  

District 6

Michele Aavang

 

District 6

Mary T. McCann 

 

District 6

Diane Evertsen 

  

 District 6 

Ersel Schuster 

McHenry County Employment Opportunities 


Click here!

 

Follow us!

Find me on Facebook  
Follow me on Twitter
Sign-up
Click here to sign-up for the McHenry County e-News and to view archived newsletters!