Purpose Of Declaration of Independence

"This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take." --Thomas Jefferson

Beach Water Testing -- McHenry County Health Department

For the upcoming 4th of July holiday, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 37 licensed beaches on Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 2. 

 The following beaches are CLOSED due to elevated bacteria levels – 

·         Butch Hagele (Hilltop), Hilltop Drive (Lake in the Hills)

·         Indian Trails, Indian Trail (Lake in the Hills)

·         Indian Ridge 1 South, 4601 NE Lake Shore Drive (Wonder Lake)

·         Wonder Woods 1, 5622 Woodlane (Wonder Lake)

Beaches on ADVISORY include –

·         Wonder Woods 4 (5200 Wonder Woods Drive, Wonder Lake)

·         Wonder Center (4100 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake)

·         Indian Ridge 2 North (4519-4603 NE Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake)

·         Morrison Beach Park (100 Lake Shore Drive, Lily Lake)

Public bathing beaches on Wonder Lake remain on a swim advisory due to the recent fish kill in the lake.   Please check the MCDH webpage (www.mcdh.info) for the latest information on these beaches.

To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 12 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.    

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (click Environmental Health, Public Beaches) or call 815-334-4585.

Children’s Health & Safety Fair --July 30

“The Path to Health and Safety” is the theme of the 24th annual McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair which will be held at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, on Wednesday, July 30, from 9am to 4pm. Admission is free.

Over 1,200 children and adults visited the fair last year, providing families with not only fun activities but also important immunizations and physicals before the start of the new school year.  Guest appearances confirmed include Ronald McDonald, the Blue Power Panther and other animal characters.  The fair will also offer over 40 interactive educational exhibits including door prizes.  Children are issued a card which will be stamped at each exhibitor’s booth.  A completed, stamped card can be turned in for a free school supply box and enters children into a raffle for one of two new bikes and helmets.

Schedule your child’s appointment now for school physicals (for qualifying children) at Family Health Partnership Clinic (779-220-9300). Reduced-cost immunizations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents must bring their child’s updated shot record. Call McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) at 815-334-4500 for immunization information. All services have a nominal fee. 

The Children’s Fair Coalition partners includes

Community Action Agency/Head Start

Centegra Health System

CL Graphics

Community Health Partnership Clinic

Family Health Partnership Clinic

Fifth Third Bank

League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund

McHenry County College

McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry Community Health Center

McHenry County Mental Health Board

Mercy Health System

Northwest Herald/Shaw Media

Pioneer Center for Human Services

RSVP/Senior Services Associates, Inc.

Star 105.5

United Way of Greater McHenry County

Volunteer Center McHenry County. 

The fair is also supported by organizations and volunteers who contribute time, services, and/or financial donations.  For more information, contact MCDH at 815-334-4510.