There is still good news taking place.
The Kishwaukee Valley Road Bridge marked detour has been removed. The bridge was opened to traffic on Thursday. That is two days ahead of schedule and within the project budget.
McHenry County Department of Transportation is sending a thank you to the motoring public for patience and understanding during the construction of this important improvement to McHenry County local highway system.
A thank you goes out to all MCDOT personnel for their efforts on this project, and to the Bridge Contractor for a job well done!
The contractor is Illinois Constructors Corp, of Elburn,
Friday, June 11, 2010
Latest Health Department Beach Sampling Results
McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 35 licensed beaches on Wednesday, June 9. The results are as follows –
Closed – Morrison Park Beach, 100 Lakeshore, Lily Lake (Village of Lakemoor)
Advisory – Killarney Acres West, Kilkenny Drive (Cary)
Both beaches will be re-sampled today with results available Saturday June 12.
To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 11 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality. Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found. The Department recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after heavy rainfall.
Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. Beaches that require an advisory or closing are posted with signs by MCDH. All beach water results and locations are readily available at the Department’s webpage at www.mcdh.info or by calling (815) 334-4585.
Closed – Morrison Park Beach, 100 Lakeshore, Lily Lake (Village of Lakemoor)
Advisory – Killarney Acres West, Kilkenny Drive (Cary)
Both beaches will be re-sampled today with results available Saturday June 12.
To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 11 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality. Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found. The Department recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after heavy rainfall.
Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. Beaches that require an advisory or closing are posted with signs by MCDH. All beach water results and locations are readily available at the Department’s webpage at www.mcdh.info or by calling (815) 334-4585.
Annual Master Gardeners' Garden Walk 2010 A Month Away
Co-sponsored by McHenry County College and the McHenry County Master Gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension, this self-guided, day-long tour includes seven private gardens in the Crystal Lake/Huntley/Marengo areas and includes a wide variety of garden styles, including Trudi Temple’s Marengo homestead and organic farm. Temple, founder of Market Day, a fundraising food cooperative, was the keynote speaker at MCC’s Gardenfest event in April. She wrote the autobiographical and practical book titled “Trudi’s Garden” (with co-author Laurie Bohlke and photographer Gail Perkins).
One Huntley garden features an eclectic collection of garden art amid the striking perennial gardens. Another Huntley garden offers a “secret garden” with stunning mandevilla vines, roses, and goldenrods. Other highlights include a city lot, a five-acre property of trees, veggies and flowers, and a shady loving garden. Two gardens in the Del Webb Community in Huntley are included.
Plants will be available for purchase at the Demo Garden at McHenry County College on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Tickets are $10 through June 25 and $15 through the event date.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 or at the gardens on the day of the event. For more details, visit www.mchenry.edu/gardenwalk.
Special Dedication Ceremony Scheduled Tuesday Evening
A special dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place Tuesday evening prior to the McHenry County Board meeting. The ceremony will get underway at 6:00 pm in the second floor lobby of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
The McHenry County Civil War Roundtable is hosting a dedication ceremony for the 95th Illinois Infantry Regimental Flag, with Lt. Col Mark Whitlock, Director of the Illinois State Military Museum serving as a special guest speaker.
All the details about the regiment can be found on the McHenry County Civil War Roundtable website.
The Regiment comprised of members from 22 of McHenry County's communities traveled some 9,960 miles during the war and participated in many of the battles. The group will now have the restored flag of the group so it may be preserved.
The McHenry County Civil War Roundtable is hosting a dedication ceremony for the 95th Illinois Infantry Regimental Flag, with Lt. Col Mark Whitlock, Director of the Illinois State Military Museum serving as a special guest speaker.
All the details about the regiment can be found on the McHenry County Civil War Roundtable website.
The Regiment comprised of members from 22 of McHenry County's communities traveled some 9,960 miles during the war and participated in many of the battles. The group will now have the restored flag of the group so it may be preserved.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sentencing For Two in Negotiated Plea Cases
Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Shannon Schroeder of Marengo was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections today pursuant to a negotiated plea of guilty for the offense of Aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm, a Class 4 felony with a sentencing range of between 1 to 12 years.
On September 7, 2008, Schroeder drove a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and crashed into another vehicle while traveling eastbound on Perkins Road in Seneca Township. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and noted a strong odor of alcohol on the defendant. Blood tests taken after the crash showed Schroder's blood alcohol level to be .159 – nearly twice the legal limit.
The crash caused serious and life threatening injuries to the driver of the other vehicle, who continues to suffer from the physical effects of the crash. This was the defendant’s third offense for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol.
The case was investigated by Karen Groves and Alan Sabol of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Ryan Blackney and David Metnick
Other Negotiated Guilty Plea Case
Also, Bianchi, announces that Marc Carder of Island Lake was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections today pursuant to a negotiated plea of guilty.
Specifically, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for the offenses of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, and three years in prison for the offense of Harassment of a Witness, with the sentences to run consecutively.
During the plea, Carder admitted to committing an act of sexual intercourse with a minor female, who at the time, was over 13 but under 17 years of age.
Carder also admitted to the acts of Witness Harassment, in that after the sex offenses were charged and the case was pending, he created fictional online accounts purporting to be made by the victim planning for a future wedding with him. He tendered these online accounts to law enforcement who subsequently determined through forensic analysis of the computers that the online posting originated from Carder’s own computer.
These cases were prosecuted for the State by Assistant State’s Attorneys Ryan Blackney and Jeff Bora.
On September 7, 2008, Schroeder drove a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and crashed into another vehicle while traveling eastbound on Perkins Road in Seneca Township. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and noted a strong odor of alcohol on the defendant. Blood tests taken after the crash showed Schroder's blood alcohol level to be .159 – nearly twice the legal limit.
The crash caused serious and life threatening injuries to the driver of the other vehicle, who continues to suffer from the physical effects of the crash. This was the defendant’s third offense for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol.
The case was investigated by Karen Groves and Alan Sabol of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Ryan Blackney and David Metnick
Other Negotiated Guilty Plea Case
Also, Bianchi, announces that Marc Carder of Island Lake was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections today pursuant to a negotiated plea of guilty.
Specifically, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for the offenses of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, and three years in prison for the offense of Harassment of a Witness, with the sentences to run consecutively.
During the plea, Carder admitted to committing an act of sexual intercourse with a minor female, who at the time, was over 13 but under 17 years of age.
Carder also admitted to the acts of Witness Harassment, in that after the sex offenses were charged and the case was pending, he created fictional online accounts purporting to be made by the victim planning for a future wedding with him. He tendered these online accounts to law enforcement who subsequently determined through forensic analysis of the computers that the online posting originated from Carder’s own computer.
These cases were prosecuted for the State by Assistant State’s Attorneys Ryan Blackney and Jeff Bora.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Lakewood Village Limits Grow
Lakewood Village boundaries grew Tuesday night by over 500 acres of land and some structures to the north and west of the current boundaries. The area is basically along Route 176, Route 47 and Pleasant Valley Road all mostly westward of the present Lakewood boundary.
None of the current property uses are being changed and the Lakewood zoning is accommodating residential as well as business uses which are currently in place under McHenry County Zoning.
A few questions were raised regarding such as existing swimming pools which are not allowed under Lakewood zoning. However, as it was explained to the property owners, these are being accepted as a non-conforming use as are any sheds which presently exist.
The annexation of this area has been underway for many months, with the property owners having been contacted by Village Officials for explanation of what was taking place.
Included in the area annexed is the acreage on the southeast side of Routes 47 and 176 which is planned for a multisport facility.
None of the current property uses are being changed and the Lakewood zoning is accommodating residential as well as business uses which are currently in place under McHenry County Zoning.
A few questions were raised regarding such as existing swimming pools which are not allowed under Lakewood zoning. However, as it was explained to the property owners, these are being accepted as a non-conforming use as are any sheds which presently exist.
The annexation of this area has been underway for many months, with the property owners having been contacted by Village Officials for explanation of what was taking place.
Included in the area annexed is the acreage on the southeast side of Routes 47 and 176 which is planned for a multisport facility.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
MCC Student Wins Bronze Medal In Science Poster Competition
Maria’s faculty advisor at MCC, Marla Garrison, comments, “Maria is a born researcher. She uses critical thinking and a skillful hand to conduct carefully controlled experiments. Her aptitude in science will take her as far as she wants to go."
Marla Garrison, biology instructor (left) and Maria Nellessen stand next to Maria’s exhibit at the first Skyway Collegiate Conference STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition.
Hope Through Dance Benefit
Some of the proceeds of this event will go to McHenry County Crisis Services in providing information to the public about the Crisis Line 1-800-892-8900 where help is available.
For more information
Branding Brainstorming Kicks Off MCC Small Business Development Offerings for July
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses. Kicking off July’s programs is the monthly Branding Brainstorming group that meets from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 1.
Branding Brainstorming is a no-cost seminar to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to your business. This monthly group meets on the first Thursday of every month. Call (815) 455-6098 to reserve your spot.
Other popular topics featured at classes in July include: Starting A Business In Illinois, Marketing Bootcamp and Developing A Business Plan. Find out how the ISBDC professionals can help your business become more successful.
The following classes are accepting registrations:
Starting A Business In Illinois: Ideal for anyone interested in starting their own business. An experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources. This class meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. Cost: $25.
Marketing Bootcamp: Provides a thorough understanding of marketing, including measuring marketing effectiveness, performing a competitive analysis and indentifying a target market. Come learn the strengths and weaknesses of various marketing methods and get your marketing plan on the right track. This class meets from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 15. Cost: $39.
How To Develop A Business Plan: Create a road map for the future success of your company. Whether your business is going out for capital or is simply looking to drive a greater margin, your business plan is essential. This class will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21. Cost: $45.
All of these classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center, located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Hospital.
For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.
Branding Brainstorming is a no-cost seminar to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to your business. This monthly group meets on the first Thursday of every month. Call (815) 455-6098 to reserve your spot.
Other popular topics featured at classes in July include: Starting A Business In Illinois, Marketing Bootcamp and Developing A Business Plan. Find out how the ISBDC professionals can help your business become more successful.
The following classes are accepting registrations:
Starting A Business In Illinois: Ideal for anyone interested in starting their own business. An experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources. This class meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. Cost: $25.
Marketing Bootcamp: Provides a thorough understanding of marketing, including measuring marketing effectiveness, performing a competitive analysis and indentifying a target market. Come learn the strengths and weaknesses of various marketing methods and get your marketing plan on the right track. This class meets from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 15. Cost: $39.
How To Develop A Business Plan: Create a road map for the future success of your company. Whether your business is going out for capital or is simply looking to drive a greater margin, your business plan is essential. This class will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21. Cost: $45.
All of these classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center, located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Hospital.
For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Oppotunities To Watch Your Government
Monday June 7, 2010
6:00 pm
District 155 Finance Committee meets in the Center for Education, One S. Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, to consider a business insurance package renewal; the Fiscal Year 2011 Regional Safe School Program Funding, Depositories, and treasurer's Bond, as well as other matters to be brought up by the Boar
Mchenry County Board Committees meet in the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock
Tuesday, June 8
8:30 am
Management Services Committee will review the past, present and future practices for preserving the county's records. In the past these records were stored in an old barn and are now being relocated to a more secure facility.
Also to be considered is vendor outreach, a matter that has been discussed in prior meetings. Concern has been expressed because so many local vendors are unable to join the competitive bidding for county purchases. The County is prohibited by law to give favoritism to local vendors unless they provide the lowest bid. This is a problem neighboring counties also experience and are reaching out to the local businesses through educating assisting the vendors in understanding what is needed to be a successful bidder. Previous discussions on the subject have revealed that many times the larger companies from outside of McHenry County are able to provide the lower bid.
Tuesday, June 8
9:30 am
The Finance and Audit Committee is to meet at 9:30 am with the Natural and Environment Resources Committee regarding the McHenry County Conservation District Annual Budget. The Finance and Audit Committee of the County Board is meeting at 9:45 AM to discuss the formal budget process for the 2010-2011 budget year. Also being considered are several resolutions to go before the full County Board regarding the reorganization of the Planning and Development Department into two separate divisions.
Tuesday, June 8
9:45 am
Tuesday, June 8
6:00 pm
Lakewood Village
The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Village of Lakewood is meeting at 6:00 pm in Red Tail Golf Club to conduct a public hearing on 20 different parcels of property, considering whether to recommend or deny to the Village Board the zoning under Village zoning of these petitions.
These are parcels that were recently considered for annexation to the Village.
The Village board meets immediately following the Public Hearing t consider any actions recommended by the Zoning Board. This is in addition to other necessary actions the Village Board will need to take such as payment of bills and approve the proposed location for Water Tower #1 replacement tank.
Wednesday, June 9
8:15 am
The Public Health and Human Services Committee of the McHenry County Board meets at 8:15 am Wednesday, June 9 in the Conference Rooms of the County Administration Building. This agenda calls for consideration of continuation of various department and state funding agreements for the McHenry County Mental Health Board.
Also to be considered is the expansion of the Board of Health from nine to twelve members as well as the reorganization of the Animal Control Division as well as appointments to the Housing Authority and the TB Board.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees Personnel Committee will be meeting this evening at 7:00 pm in the Library Director's Office of the Crystal Lake Public Library.
MCC College Presidential Candidate Interviews
McHenry County College Trustees will interview the three Presidential Candidates each one at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in closed sessions, although the public was given the opportunity to interview each candidate for themselves in open sessions.
6:00 pm
District 155 Finance Committee meets in the Center for Education, One S. Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, to consider a business insurance package renewal; the Fiscal Year 2011 Regional Safe School Program Funding, Depositories, and treasurer's Bond, as well as other matters to be brought up by the Boar
Mchenry County Board Committees meet in the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock
Tuesday, June 8
8:30 am
Management Services Committee will review the past, present and future practices for preserving the county's records. In the past these records were stored in an old barn and are now being relocated to a more secure facility.
Also to be considered is vendor outreach, a matter that has been discussed in prior meetings. Concern has been expressed because so many local vendors are unable to join the competitive bidding for county purchases. The County is prohibited by law to give favoritism to local vendors unless they provide the lowest bid. This is a problem neighboring counties also experience and are reaching out to the local businesses through educating assisting the vendors in understanding what is needed to be a successful bidder. Previous discussions on the subject have revealed that many times the larger companies from outside of McHenry County are able to provide the lower bid.
Tuesday, June 8
9:30 am
The Finance and Audit Committee is to meet at 9:30 am with the Natural and Environment Resources Committee regarding the McHenry County Conservation District Annual Budget. The Finance and Audit Committee of the County Board is meeting at 9:45 AM to discuss the formal budget process for the 2010-2011 budget year. Also being considered are several resolutions to go before the full County Board regarding the reorganization of the Planning and Development Department into two separate divisions.
Tuesday, June 8
9:45 am
Tuesday, June 8
6:00 pm
Lakewood Village
The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Village of Lakewood is meeting at 6:00 pm in Red Tail Golf Club to conduct a public hearing on 20 different parcels of property, considering whether to recommend or deny to the Village Board the zoning under Village zoning of these petitions.
These are parcels that were recently considered for annexation to the Village.
The Village board meets immediately following the Public Hearing t consider any actions recommended by the Zoning Board. This is in addition to other necessary actions the Village Board will need to take such as payment of bills and approve the proposed location for Water Tower #1 replacement tank.
Wednesday, June 9
8:15 am
The Public Health and Human Services Committee of the McHenry County Board meets at 8:15 am Wednesday, June 9 in the Conference Rooms of the County Administration Building. This agenda calls for consideration of continuation of various department and state funding agreements for the McHenry County Mental Health Board.
Also to be considered is the expansion of the Board of Health from nine to twelve members as well as the reorganization of the Animal Control Division as well as appointments to the Housing Authority and the TB Board.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees Personnel Committee will be meeting this evening at 7:00 pm in the Library Director's Office of the Crystal Lake Public Library.
MCC College Presidential Candidate Interviews
McHenry County College Trustees will interview the three Presidential Candidates each one at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in closed sessions, although the public was given the opportunity to interview each candidate for themselves in open sessions
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