Heavy Rains Affect Use Of Beaches

Due to elevated bacteria levels from recent heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health reports several beaches are either closed or placed on advisory. 

 Closed beaches include:

• Wooded Shores, 3221 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Shore Hills Beach, 3450 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 1, 3701 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 2, 3925-3927 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Center, 4100 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 1 South, 4601 NE Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 2 North, 4519-4603 NW Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 1, 5622 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 2, 5606 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 45200 Wonder Woods Drive, Wonder Lake
• Sunrise Ridge, 3800 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Highland Shores, 3500 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Lookout Point, 5206 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Hilltop Beach Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• Indian Trails Beach, Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• WillOaks Campground Beach, 14304 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock

 Beaches on advisory are:

• Veterans Park, 332 W State Road, Island Lake
• Lake Park Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake
• LeVilla Vaupell 1, 1115 N Northeast Shore Drive, Griswold Lake

Beaches will be re-sampled with results posted on the MCDH webpage.  Residents are encouraged to check with beach operators and the MCDH webpage for the latest information. The potential for high bacteria (E coli) counts increases with periods of high precipitation.  (MCDH) recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after a heavy rainfall event due to the potential increase risk of swimming associated illness (gastrointestinal illness and ear nose and throat infections). 

For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.

Parking Lot Reconstruction At MCC

The reconstruction of parking lots B and D at McHenry County College (MCC) will begin Monday, July 1 and the lots will be closed through mid-August. Parking is open in other lots throughout the campus. The work also includes resurfacing of Ring Road, the circular drive around the perimeter of MCC’s Crystal Lake campus. Ring Road will remain open, but motorists should enter the campus at Entrance 3 (Lucas Road).

The reconstruction of parking lots B and D will result in a new, safer traffic pattern, wider parking spaces, and relocated bus and childcare drop-off locations. Parking is open in Parking Lot A, Parking Lot C, Parking Lot E and Parking Lot F.

“During this improvement, a storm water pond will also be developed just north of MCC’s softball field,” said Christina Haggerty, chief communications officer at MCC. “This pond, in addition to the recycling of all related materials from this project, contributes to MCC’s sustainability efforts.”

The best parking lot to use for ScotStars Summer Youth Sports Camp is Parking Lot E for soccer camp. The best parking lot to use for the Kids and College summer program is Parking Lot C.

A temporary bus drop off location during construction will be Parking Lot A, side lot by entrance to second floor of Building A, adjacent to the Office of Human Resources.

MCC has 29 handicapped parking spaces available during construction, located at Buildings A, C and E. At Building A, six handicapped spaces will be available on the north side, one space on the west side and eight reserved spots on the west side (along Route 14).

At Building C, three handicapped spaces are open on the north side and at Building E, 12 spaces are open on the north side and seven spaces on the east side.

Check the latest details at www.mchenry.edu/improvements or for questions, contact Greg Evans, assistant vice president of Buildings and Grounds, at (815) 455-8760.

Words Of Wisdom

"All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity."

--George Washington, letter to Catherine MacAuly Graham, 1790

Government At Work

FRIDAY, JUNE 28-

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board—

Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Board is to review proposed changes to County Board Rules.

Government At Work

THURSDAY, JUNE 27—

7:00 a.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board—

Meeting in the Mental Health Board Main Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to discuss or comment on the search committee agenda items of June 27.

8:30 a.m. –McHenry County Board Legislative Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to discuss State Legislative Activity, an invitation to State Legislators, and discussion on Federal Legislative Consultant Contract.

Also to be considered is Federal Legislative Updates

10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Coordinating Council

Meeting in Meeting Room C of the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Representatives from 22 McHenry County groups are meeting. They are to hear a presentation by Mary Connelly of the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team

1:30 p.m.—McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals

A hearing is being held in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The hearing is on a request for a conditional use permit to allow horse racing events with food and merchandise vendors at the events along with signage in accordance with the McHenry County sign Ordinance. Also requested is a variation to allow for grass parking area during the horse racing events.

6:30 p.m.—McHenry County College Board of Trustees—

Meeting in the Board Room at the College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

Most of the agenda matters are routine, all necessary to keeping the higher education facility running.

MCC Board Meetings To Be Broadcast

McHenry County College (MCC) will begin broadcasting/streaming its Regular Board Meetings in June 2013. The June 27 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will be the first meeting to be streamed live.

Viewers may watch the meeting live or after the meeting has ended, as all videos will be archived. 

This new effort supports the College's continued commitment to transparency, and it allows members of the community to conveniently view these meetings if they are unable to attend in person.

To watch the Regular Board Meeting on June 27 from your workstation or smart device, simply visit the www.mchenry.edu/board webpage and click on the embedded video screen at the top of the page. If you wish to view the meeting after it has concluded, click on the link in the "Meeting Video" column on that same page.

A complete schedule of upcoming Board Meetings is located at: www.mchenry.edu/board.

Ticks Test Positive For Lyme Disease

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is warning residents to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, in particular Lyme disease. 

Six (6) cases of Lyme disease and one case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, have been reported, with more cases pending.  Nineteen (19) ticks have been tested; two were positive for Lyme disease.

In 2012, 39 human cases of Lyme disease were reported in McHenry County, along with three (3) cases of other tick-borne illnesses – specifically, erlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  In contrast, the County had only 19 cases in 2011. 

Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Although the American Dog Tick and the Lone Star Tick can spread disease, the Black-legged or Deer Tick is the most common disease carrier in Illinois and surrounding states and is largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. Lyme disease typically occurs 3 to 30 days after exposure to an infected tick.

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash (often with a “bull’s eye” appearance).  In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted so it’s important to check yourself after being outside. 

Many cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.  If you experience these symptoms, and have had possible exposure to ticks, contact your physician for reporting to MCDH. If physicians have questions regarding testing, please call MCDH’s Communicable Disease program.

The best way to protect against tick-borne illness includes –

Educate yourself, family about tick identification, removal and symptom awareness.

Walk in the center of trails.  Avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter (including vacant lots in residential areas).

Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.

Apply insect repellent containing DEET (20% or more) to exposed skin. Follow label instructions.

Conduct full-body tick checks on family members (including underarms, in/around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waists, and especially in the hair). Also check any gear taken on outings.

Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect.  Keep pets out of tick habitats like tall grass/brush. Always examine pets before bringing them inside.  Ask your vet to recommend an over-the-counter tick killer/repellent. 

The CDC recommends bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks.

For more information on Lyme disease, contact MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program 815-334-4500, visit www.mcdh.info, Environmental Health (“quick tips”) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/.

Crystal Lake City Responding To Power Outages

The City of Crystal Lake is responding to the impact of recent heavy rains.

If resident have any issues with roadway flooding or basement backups, they should call the City’s Public Works Department at 815-356-3614.

A list of the current road closures will be displayed on the City’s website at www.crystallake.org.

Sandbags are currently available for the public at the City Hall Public Works garage in the rear garage parking lot at 100 W. Woodstock Street. Sandbags are provided free of charge.

Vehicles should not attempt to traverse standing water on any roadway, since the depth of the water could be deeper than it appears.

POWER OUTAGE

As of 10:00 AM today, ComEd reports that about 140 Crystal Lake area consumers are without power. ComEd reports that there are currently crews in Crystal Lake working to restore power to the customers. Unless additional damage occurs, ComEd reported that power should be restored by the end of the day.

If you or someone you know does not have power, or to report any electrical lines that are down, contact

1-800-Edison (1-800-334-7661)

Residents are also encouraged to periodically call ComEd to check on the status of their power outage. ComEd will provide updates on their website at www.comed.com

Heavy Rain Advisory From McHenry County Health Department

Due to recent and anticipated heavy rains, all McHenry County public beaches are on a heavy rain advisory.  

The potential for high bacteria (E coli) counts increases with periods of high precipitation.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after a heavy rainfall event due to the potential increase risk of swimming associated illness (gastrointestinal illness and ear nose and throat infections). 

On Wednesday, June 26, MCDH posted all beaches with a HEAVY RAIN ADVISORY sign.  Weather permitting, these beaches will be retested Thursday, June 27, with results posted Friday, June 28 on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info.  

Water sampling results are also reported to the appropriate beach authorities.  For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585

Flood Warning For Fox River -- Algonquin Tailwater

* FLOOD WARNING FOR THE FOX RIVER AT ALGONQUIN TAILWATER.
* UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
* AT 730 AM WED THE STAGE WAS 10.6 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 9.5 FEET.
* RECENT ACTIVITY.FLOOD FORECASTS FOR ALGONQUIN WERE MOVED TO THIS LOCATION ON JULY 5 2011. GAGE ZERO DATUM IS DIFFERENT FROM THE OLD GAGE LOCATION. FLOOD & ACTION STAGES HAVE CHANGED.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MODERATE FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL REMAIN NEAR 10.5 FEET. THIS FORECAST
IS BASED ON PRELIMINARY RAINFALL REPORTS & WILL BE UPDATED LATER THIS MORNING AS ADDITIONAL DATA IS AVAILABLE.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Staff Plat Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to review a final plat for Skyview Subdivision.

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A presentation is slated to be made to the committee regarding an overview of the Environmental Health Programs of the Department of Health.

Several resolutions are to be considered by the committee including one regarding authorizing acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant for the McHenry County Workforce Investment Area Program for year 2013-2014.

A second resolution for authorization regards acceptance of a modification to Illinois Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity Grant for the Workforce Network.

A third resolution concerns authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant in the McHenry County workforce Network Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

How MCC Is Making Progress

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 Ÿ 6:30-8 p.m.

McHenry County College Shah Center (Room SCC105)
4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry   

Hear from College officials about progress being made around new and existing programming.

Panelists include:

• Dr. Vicky Smith, President
• Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
• Cynthia Kisser, MCC Trustee
• Kay Moormann, Executive Dean, Workforce and Community Development
• Catherine Jones, Executive Director, Workforce, Community and Business Programs

Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input. For a complete list of forum dates, visit www.mchenry.edu/forum

Words Of Wisdom

IIf the president alone was vested with the power of appointing all officers, and was left to select a council for himself, he would be liable to be deceived by flatterers and pretenders to patriotism."
--Roger Sherman, 1789

Government At Work

TUESDAY, JUNE 25—

7:30 a.m. – Crystal Lake Economic Development Committee –

Meeting is cancelled. The next scheduled meeting will be held July 23 at 7:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers Conference Room.

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Finance and Audit Committee and Human Resources Committee.

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The committees are to consider a resolution authorizing entering into a contract with Corporate Benefit Consultants, Inc. to be the Broker of Record and provide services for the self funded Health Insurance Program.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board—

Meeting in the Mental Health Board Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

In addition to the President’s report, reports regarding various events and announcement will be provided, followed by an update on the Behavioral Health Foundation, a report from Executive Director Todd Schroll and a planned retreat update strategic goals presentation by Diane Robinson as well as committee reports as needed.

Other financial matters as needed are also to be considered.

7:00 p.m. –Valley Hi Nursing Home Operating Board –

Meeting at the Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

The committee is expected to discuss a board vacancy along with other matters such as facility carpet wear and potential replacement, the FY 2014 budget process. Also to be considered is a proclamation for Sue Brian.

The IDPH annual survey update will be considered, along with legislative update including managed care RUG’s, IGT update and Centegra Transition of Care Task Force Agreement.

Also for consideration is the Medicare Part B Pre-Pay Probe Final Results.

7:00 p.m.—Lakewood Village Board –

Meeting has been cancelled.

THUNDERSTORM WARNING CANCELLED

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN DUPAGE.NORTH CENTRAL WILL & EASTERN MCHENRY COUNTIES IS CANCELLED.

THE LINE OF STORMS WHICH PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS MOVED OUT OF THE WARNED AREA.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

KANE IL-KENDALL IL-MCHENRY IL-WILL IL-DUPAGE IL-LAKE IL-COOK IL-
536 PM CDT MON JUN 24 2013

.A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR COOK.LAKE.
DUPAGE.NORTHERN WILL.MCHENRY.EASTERN KENDALL & EASTERN KANE
COUNTIES UNTIL 645 PM CDT.

AT 532 PM CDT.SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE
EXTENDING FROM BELVIDERE TO 5 MILES SE OF MARENGO TO ELGIN TO
NAPERVILLE TO MINOOKA.& MOVING EAST AT 60 MPH.

HAZARD.70 MPH WIND GUSTS.

SOURCE.RADAR INDICATED.

IMPACT.EXPECT CONSIDERABLE TREE DAMAGE. DAMAGE IS LIKELY TO MOBILE
HOMES.ROOFS & OUTBUILDINGS.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR.
YORK CENTER & WOODSTOCK AROUND 545 PM CDT.
WILLOW SPRINGS & WHEELING AROUND 550 PM CDT.
RICHTON PARK & WORTH AROUND 555 PM CDT.
RICHMOND & PARK FOREST AROUND 600 PM CDT.
SPRING GROVE & SAUK VILLAGE AROUND 605 PM CDT.
ANTIOCH & LAKE CATHERINE AROUND 610 PM CDT.

OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE WILLOWBROOK.OAKBROOK
TERRACE.LAKE BARRINGTON.FOX RIVER VALLEY GARDENS.FOX RIVER
GROVE.DEER PARK.CARY.RIVER GROVE.PALOS PARK & NORTH
BARRINGTON.

THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF CHICAGO & MOST OF THE METROPOLITAN
AREA.

MCC Community Forum Wednesday

McHenry County College is committed to serving its mission:
Our Focus is Learning. Student Success is Our Goal.

Please join us at a community forum to hear how MCC is meeting its mission through programs and initiatives:

Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 6:30-8 p.m.

McHenry County College Shah Center (Room SCC105)
4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry   

Hear from College officials about progress being made around new and existing programming. Panelists include:

Dr. Vicky Smith, President

Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Cynthia Kisser, MCC Trustee

Kay Moormann, Executive Dean, Workforce and Community Development

Catherine Jones, Executive Director, Workforce, Community and Business Programs

Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input. For a complete list of forum dates, visit www.mchenry.edu/forum.

Government At Work

MONDAY, JUNE 24--

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Management Services Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock,

The Committee is to consider for approval, three resolutions including:

• Authorizing an emergency appropriation in the Recorder’s Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget to purchase Tax Transfer Stamps
• Authorizing a contract with System Solutions, Inc. for Cisco Smart-Net Maintenance and Support renewal
• Authorizing the relocation of the Veterans Assistance Commission Office, the Regional Superintendent of Schools Office and Planning & Development staff with a contract with Carmichael Construction for necessary renovations.
• Also to be considered is the final review of the County Board Rule

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board of Health

Health Department Administration Building,

2200 North Seminary Avenue

Woodstock

Eleven contracts and agreements are being presented to the board for renewal including:

• IDPH FY14 Non Community Water Supply Grant
• IDPH FY14 Lead Poison Prevention Grant
• IDPH FY14 Dental Sealant Grant
• IDHS FY14 Farmers Market Grant
• IDHS FY14 Family Case Management Grant
• IDHS FY14 Healthy Child Care Illinois Grant
• IDHS FY14 Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grant
• IDHS FY14 WIC Grant
• Frank & Marie Mercuri - Russel Court
• Elizabeth Hackett
• George W. Goodlow, MD Agreement
• Also six new contracts are to be approved, including:
• In-Person Counselor MOU Template
• Richard Bennett
• In-Person Counselor Grant Program Manager
• In-Person Counselor
• In-Person Counselor Grant Program Office Assistant
• Leslie Mitcham