Increase In Mosquitos Testing Positive For West Nile Virus

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports a significant increase in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Fifteen mosquito batches from August 27-September 5 tested positive as compared to five positive batches over a four month period (May-July). The recent trap locations were from Algonquin Township, Harvard, Hebron, Lake in the Hills, Nunda Township and Spring Grove.  The recent dry hot weather is the perfect breeding environment for the Culex mosquito which carries WNV.  Residents are urged to take precautions to reduce their risk of becoming infected with WNV.

As of today, MCDH has tested 426 mosquito batches, with 20 testing positive.  The State Health Department reported 55 counties with WNV activity on September 4, with three human cases.  McHenry County reported its first human case of WNV for 2013 on August 21; six human cases of WNV were reported in McHenry County in 2012.  MCDH has submitted 21 birds this year for testing, with nine testing positive for WNV.   

It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season (mid-October).  Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, with long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.  Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. 

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible.  Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease.  For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.

Rockin' At The Raue Center For The Arts Saturday Night

25 or 6 to 4 are ready to rock at Raue Center For The Arts on September 7, 2013 at 8:00 pm. This premier tribute to the legendary band Chicago supplies their “Vegas Style” show with dazzling lights and crisp execution of material from one of the best-selling American groups.

With a repertoire of music and performances covering over five decades in pop culture through television, radio and movies, 25 of 6 to 4 — The Chicago Experience offers a high energy performance while replicating the music that captured everyone’s heart! Patrons will hear songs like “Wishing You Were Here”, “Feeling Stronger (Everyday)” and “Saturday in the Park”.

Bringing you the sweet sounds of Chicago are Adam Briel (vocals and auxiliary percussion), Brian Hemstock (vocals and auxiliary percussion), Ron Brandt (guitars, vocals and musical director), Adam Cowger (drums and auxiliary percussion), James Miller (bass guitar and vocals), John Kattke (keyboards and guitar), Terry Viano (trombone), Steve Frost (trumpet and flugelhorn), Tim Falls (tenor sax, soprano sax and flute) and Nick Krengiel (alto sax).

Tickets range from $29 to $35. They can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

About 25 of 6 to 4:

25 or 6 to 4 - The Chicago Experience, the premier tribute to the legendary band Chicago, supplies their “Vegas Style” show with dazzling lights and crisp execution of material from one of the best-selling American groups, with over 122 million albums sold, second only to The Beach Boys.  With an international repertoire of music and performances covering over five decades in pop culture through television (including pioneers on MTV), radio, and movies, 25 or 6 to 4 - The Chicago Experience offers a high energy performance while replicating the music that captured everyone’s heart!  From the early hits off Chicago Transit Authority’s 1968 self-titled album, such as “Beginnings” and “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?,” through the 1980’s with Chicago’s hits “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re The Inspiration,” after each performance you’ll be asking yourself, “Am I listening to the original recording?”

25 or 6 to 4 - The Chicago Experience has also been joined on stage by former Chicago members Danny Seraphine (Chicago’s co-founder and original drummer), Kenny Cetera (former Chicago vocalist) and James Guercio (Chicago’s original manager and producer).  

 25 or 6 to 4 –The Chicago Experience has painstakingly assembled the top professional musicians whom have performed in groups such as “The Buckinghams,” “The Cryan Shames,” “The Shadows of the Night,” “The Glen Miller Orchestra,“ and with “Buddy Guy,” and “Junior Wells.”  These musicians capture the Chicago vocal, rhythm and horn section’s sound to accurately and thoroughly replicate this staple of Pop, Rock & Jazz music!  Previous national performances for the group include appearances on WGN and Comcast Television, Y103.9 and 560WIND radio, the opening act for Blue Oyster Cult and Leon Russell along with venues such as United Center and numerous casinos, festivals and corporate events.

"Significant Increase In Mosquitoes" -- McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports a significant increase in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Fifteen mosquito batches from August 27-September 5 tested positive as compared to five positive batches over a four month period (May-July). The recent trap locations were from Algonquin Township, Harvard, Hebron, Lake in the Hills, Nunda Township and Spring Grove.  The recent dry hot weather is the perfect breeding environment for the Culex mosquito which carries WNV.  Residents are urged to take precautions to reduce their risk of becoming infected with WNV.

As of today, MCDH has tested 426 mosquito batches, with 20 testing positive.  The State Health Department reported 55 counties with WNV activity on September 4, with three human cases.  McHenry County reported its first human case of WNV for 2013 on August 21; six human cases of WNV were reported in McHenry County in 2012.  MCDH has submitted 21 birds this year for testing, with nine testing positive for WNV.   

It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season (mid-October).  Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, with long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.  Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. 

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible.  Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease.  For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.

Government At Work

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6—

McHenry County Zoning Hearing Officer

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

Two matters are to be considered by the Officer, including a variation request to allow a rear yard setback of zero feet instead of the required ten foot setback. This is the Storin/Loomis matter in Nunda Township seeking a change from A1 to A1Variation.

The second matter for consideration, also in Nunda Township, is the request to allow a detached garage to exceed the floor area of the residence and to allow said garage to be 16.3 feet I height instead of the maximum of 14 feet allowed.

Homeless Bill of Rights Signed Into Illinois Law

A new law creating a “Homeless Bill of Rights” was signed Aug. 22, making Illinois one of the first states to enact a Bill of Rights for the homeless.

The measure establishes that a person’s rights, privileges or access to public services cannot be denied or altered solely because of his or her homeless status.

Senate Bill 1210, supported by State Sen.Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry). in the Senate, protects an individual’s right to maintain gainful employment, access emergency medical care; protects their right to the privacy of personal property, records and information; and protects their right to vote on the same basis as other people. If someone believes that their rights have been violated because of their homeless status, Senate Bill 1210 allows that person to take legal action and pursue damages.

Previously, Rhode Island was the only state in the nation with a law granting legal protections for homeless.

Recycling Drive Accepts Fluorescent Tubes, Electronics, Styrofoam™, More!

On Saturday, September 14th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

Electronics, such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. Become a new member of EDMC at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!

At the McHenry collection, the Defenders will accept and pay for aluminum cans. 

EDMC recycling drives are held on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Racket Club Open House September 20

The Racket Club is one of the finest indoor/outdoor tennis facilities in northern Illinois. Located on Route 31, one mile south of Rakow Road, the Club is owned by the Crystal Lake Park District and operated on a membership basis.

As way to let McHenry County residents know about everything that the Club has to offer, staff will be hosting an Open House on Friday, September 20, 7-9 pm.

 In addition to family fun for everyone, The Racket Club Open House will allow participants to get a sense of what it’s like to take a class or play with the latest equipment.

The format is completely casual so that interested players can move from activity to activity at their leisure, or simply look around. Featured activities include testing the newest racquets, hitting with pros, testing serve speed, video analysis of your strokes, and the adaptive new 10 & Under-style tennis instruction.

Staff of The Racket Club will be happy to answer any questions and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP at 847-658-5688; admission is free.

Government At Work

Friday, September 6

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Zoning Hearing Officer—

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

Two matters are to be considered by the Board, both in Nunda Township.:

Storin/Loomis where a variation is being sought to allow a rear yard setback of zero feet instead of the required ten foot setback.

Wary/Gers, also a variation request to allow a detached garage to exceed the floor area of the residence and to allow said garage to be 16.3 feet in height instead of the maximum 14 feet allowed.

Crystal Lake Library Board October Meeting Changed

The regular meeting of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees previously scheduled for October 16, 2013 has been moved to Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 7pm in the Ames Room on the lower level of the Library.  

Words Of Wisdom

"Every man who loves peace, every man who loves his country, every man who loves liberty ought to have it ever before his eyes that he may cherish in his heart a due attachment to the Union of America and be able to set a due value on the means of preserving it."
--James Madison, Federalist No. 41., 1788

Meeting Thursday Night For Input On Crystal Lake Woodscreek Park

The Crystal Lake Park District will hold an open, public meeting on Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 PM at the Administrative Office (lower level), One E. Crystal Lake Avenue.  The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback from park users on a variety of proposed playground layouts and equipment types.

A master redevelopment plan for the 20 year old park was approved by the Park District Board of Commissioners in 2011 and a grant from the Illinois Department of Resources was awarded to partially fund the project.  In addition to a new playground, the redevelopment project will include a splash pad, second tennis court, second fishing pier, bocce courts, baggo courts and a new parking lot.  Construction is expected to begin in May of 2014.

Questions can be directed to Ann Viger, Director of Planning and Development, at (815) 459-0680 x 205 or aviger@crystallakeparks.org

Government At Work

Thursday, September 5-

7:30 a.m. McHenry County Stormwater Commission—

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

An overview of Stormwater Management Ordinance revision process is to be presented the Commission followed by a discussion of required changes to the Ordinance.

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee—

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

Five people are to be interviewed by the Committee for appointments, including four to the Zoning Board of Appeals and one for the Greenwood Drainage District.

Those seeking appointment to the Zoning Board include Patricia Kennedy, Edward Haerter, Charles Eldredge and Vicki Gartner.

Leonard Schultz is to be interviewed for the Greenwood Drainage District.

Three recommendations are to be made for the Zoning Board and one recommendation for the Drainage District.

3:00 p.m.- McHenry County Public Building Commission—

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

Reports are to be provided by the project manager and treasurer as well as the determination of bills to be paid and authorization to pay,.

7:00 p.m. –Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners-

Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

The only item of business is the Woodscreek Neighborhood meeting.

Limited Parking At Veteran Acres Park Saturday

Due to the Crystal Lake South Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, September 7, parking lot access to Veteran Acres Park will be extremely limited. Both Veteran Acres parking lots off of Walkup Avenue will only be available for drop-offs and shuttle bus pick up and drop off.  Other park visitors are encouraged to utilize the Nature Center (330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake) parking lot or the Oakwoods Lodge (Route 176 & Second St.) parking lot during the hours of 7 am-3 pm.

For more information contact the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680.

 

Crystal Lake Traffic Detour on IL Route 176

There is a water main break on Terra Cotta Avenue (IL Route 176) just east of Main Street. 

While repairs are being made, a detour will be established on Terra Cotta Avenue for westbound traffic approaching the work zone.  Eastbound traffic will not be interrupted.

The detour will direct motorists north on Illinois Street, west on McCullom Street, and south on Main Street where normal travel may resume on Terra Cotta Avenue. 

The lane closure will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m.  Normal traffic is expected to resume by 5:30 p.m.  

Government At Work

Wednesday, September4 --

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Department of Transportation –

Meeting in the Main Conference Room, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

The Committee will have seven resolutions to consider regarding road work including:

• Right-of-Way and appropriating funds for the River Road at Dowell Road Intersection Project
• Engineering Services Agreement for Pavement Condition Survey Services
• Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Illinois and Appropriating Funds for U.S. Route 14 Improvement Project at Ridgefield Road
• Contract for the Park and Ride lot landscaping and Appropriating Funds
• Authorizing the purchase of a Fuel Management System and Appropriating Funds
• Authorizing the purchase of Tractors with Mowers and Appropriating Funds
• Authorizing the purchase of a Skid Steer and Appropriating Funds.
• Also for consideration is a discussion on intersection study process and Algonquin Red Light Running Camera Approval

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board—

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

A Special short meeting regarding discussion and/or comment on ethics and compliance committee agenda
.

8:30 a.m.—McHenry County Mental Health Board Ethics and Compliance Committee-

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

A Discussion of Committee Function along with update of current Federal and State Compliance Initiatives.

Also considering the Advantage Group (TAG) Outstanding Audit and a Court Appearance of September 19.

10:00 a.m.—McHenry County Board Natural and Environmental Resources Committee—

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

An overview of the Stormwater Management Ordinance revision process and a committee discussion of required changes to the Stormwater Management Ordinance are on the agenda.

1:00 p.m.—Crystal Lake Public Library Board Personnel Committee—

Meeting in the Library Director’s Office, of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake
.

1:00 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals—

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

The Board is to discuss Article 15 (Site Development and Accessory Structural and Use Standards for the Draft Unified Development Ordinance
.

4:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Fire Insurance Board –

Meeting in the Crystal Lake Municipal Building, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

The agenda calls for reading of previous minutes, communications, treasurer report, report of officers and any special committees, handling of any business for the good of the Association.

6:30 p.m. McHenry Historic Preservation –

Meeting in the P & D. Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Following various committee reports, the Commission will also consider its position on preservation of Camp Algonquin, Historical landmark calendars for 2014 and the goals and objective of the committees.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission –

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

Five matters were scheduled for hearing; however, three of these are continued.

These include Signature Auto, 970 Pyott Road, continued to September 18 meeting

Doherty is continued to October 2 meeting

Porzezinski – 186 Regal Drive is continued to September 18 meeting.

Matters to be heard Wednesday include:

Dellamaria, 1089 North Shore Drive, --

The hearing was continued from the August 21 meeting. Variations for a six-foot fence along the street and to allow a detached accessory structure without a principal structure

Lumber Liquidators, 4500 Northwest Highway, This is PUD Amendment for a second freestanding sign that is 40 feet tall and 250 square feet in area.

Words Of Wisdom

"What, sir, is the use of militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty... Whenever Government means to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins."

--Elbridge Gerry, 1789

It's Hunger Action Month

State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) is helping promote September as Hunger Action Month and encouraging residents to become involved with this cause throughout the month of September.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be hosting awareness campaigns and events to bring attention to and take action for the cause of hunger throughout the month.  The Northern Illinois Food Bank served over 500,000 people in the last year and distributed a record 42 million meals across the 13 counties they serve.  Althoff said the fight against hunger never ends, noting food banks in the area and across the state are still in need of help. 

Althoff said residents can help support and promote the cause in a few simple ways.  They include:

National Go Orange Day:  Add orange to your outfit on September 5 to show your support for our hungry neighbors.  Then take a photo and post it on your social media platforms and share with the Northern Illinois Food Bank (Twitter: @ILfoodbank #HungerAction).

Dine Out for Hunger:  Go out to dinner at one of more than 30 participating restaurants and know that part of your bill is going back to the Northern Illinois Food Bank feeding programs.  Find a list of participating restaurants at SolveHungerToday.org.

Volunteer:  Bring your family, friends and colleagues to one of the food bank centers to help repack food for our hungry neighbors. 

For more information or to sign up to volunteer during Hunger Action Month, call the Northern Illinois Food Bank at 630-443-6910. 

Government At Work

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3—

8:15 a.m. –McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee –

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

The Committee is to consider FY 13-14 Budget review for the Sheriff’s Department

Also, consider New Dawn Project Updates and Invoices.

9:00 a.m.—McHenry County Board—

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

In addition to considering the routine matters such as paying bills, the Board is to consider

• A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a State Emergency Management Performance Grant for FY2013
• A resolution accepting the In-Person Counselor Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, along with the creation of a part-time Office Assistant position
• A resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, the Village of Lake-in-The-Hills and McHenry County to provide Mutual Aid
• Also for consideration is a resolution authorizing adoption of amendment to the McHenry County Board Rules.

Transportation matters to be considered include:

• Resolution approving the Acquisition of Right-of-Way for Highway Purposes and appropriation the necessary funds for the Noe Road Township Bridge over the Rush Creek
• Resolution authorizing the transfer of Surface Transportation Program funds for Partial Reimbursement of the County Engineer’s Annual Salary
• Resolution awarding a contract for emergency repairs to the Johnson Road Bridge Project.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake City Council

Meeting in the Council Chambers, Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street.

• Lakeside Legacy Foundation Run and Roll for the Dole is seeking permission to conduct a Run and Roll for the Dole on October 5 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.which includes a two-mile run, a bike ride and then another two-mile run, all through Crystal Lake and Lakewood roads/
• The Council is to consider a retailer job creation and Investment Matching Grant request for Greek’s Pizzeria, 6000 Northwest Highway;
• Also discussion of potential Annexation and Rezoning on the northwest corner of Huntley and Ackman Roads
• New Retailer Job Creation and Investment Matching Grant request – Greek’s Pizzeria, 6000 Northwest Highway.
• Potential Annexation and Rezoning, northwest corner of Huntley and Ackman Roads – Discussion Only.
• Proposal award and resolution authorizing execution of an Engineering Services Contract for completion of a water & sewer rate and connection fee study.

Last Holiday Of Summer -- Labor Day

If you could create a holiday, what would it be called? What date would you choose for your holiday?

Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and labor union leader, was the person who came up with the idea for Labor Day. He thought American workers should be honored with their own day. He proposed his idea to New York's Central Labor Union early in 1882, and they thought the holiday was a good idea, too. With four long months between Independence Day and Thanksgiving, Peter suggested a month halfway in between. But what date should they choose?

The very first Labor Day was held on a Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The day was celebrated with a picnic, concert and speeches. Ten thousand workers marched in a parade from City Hall to Union Square.

Soon after that first celebration, the holiday was moved to the first Monday in September, the day we still honor. Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894. Labor Day is not just a day to celebrate the accomplishments of workers; for some people, it is also a day to talk about their concerns and to discuss ways to get better working conditions and salaries. How do you celebrate the last holiday of the summer?