SUEDRAFFKORN.ORG

Re-Elect Sue Draffkorn for County Board District 4

2012-04-05T23:35:00Z

Welcome Sue Draffkorn's website.

District 4 is in McHenry, Richmond and Burton Townships and includes Richmond, Ringwood, Spring Grove, parts of unincorporated Wonder Lake and the City of McHenry.

As your County Board Member my goal is to represent the needs of the people in District 4, as well as residents through out the county. As a County Board Member I serve on the following County Board committees: Planning & Development, Law and Justice, Human Resources, and Community Development Block Grant (Chairman). Each of these committees meet one or two times per month. In addition, I also attend meetings as the Board Liaison for the Fox Waterway Advisory Committee, other committee or community meetings, and two County Board meetings each month.

My goal is to continue to make McHenry County a great place to live and raise a family and at the same time promote open lands and agricultural and a vibrant workforce.

As your McHenry County Board Representative, I have:

Secured $17,759,000 of federal funding for improvements in District #4 alone for improvements to Johnsburg Rd and Miller Rd.
Secured transportation funding and supported road projects throughout McHenry County, such as:
- widening of Algonquin Rd, Walkup Rd, & Rakow Rd
- intersection improvements at Chapel Hill/Bay Rd, and Chapel Hill/Lincoln Rd
- reconstruction of eight bridges throughout McHenry County
Balanced the county budget every year since being elected
Secured Aaa bond rating
Secured over $12,577,000 in funding for neighborhood projects such as:
- Village of Union safe drinking water
- DKI Lake In the Hills Senior Living
- Village of McCullom Lake East Side Drainage
- Village of Wonder Lake Thompson Road Water Main Extension
- Protection of aquifors
Helped individual and groups navigate the sometimes challenging government process
Pro 2nd Amendment
Pro-Life

Am I registered to vote in IL?

Where do I vote?

Human Race 5K walk/run

2012-04-04T23:36:00Z

Human Race 5K walk/run April 15 - pass it on please!

Online Registration Closes April 12 for the McHenry County Human Race. However -

Individuals can still register for the Second Annual McHenry County Human Race, a 5K walk/run, right up through Race day April 15.

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.mchumanrace.org and mail to Human Race, PO Box 386, McHenry IL 60051. Registrations are also being accepted at Packet Pick-up sites: April 13 from noon to 4PM at the McHenry County Environment Defenders at 110 Johnson St, Woodstock; April 14 11AM to 2PM at the Raue Center 26 N Williams St in Crystal Lake; and 7:30 to 8:30AM at Affinia Under Vehicle Group on Corporate Dr McHenry on Race day April 15. Online registration for the McHenry County Human Race closes April 12, 2012.

Each Race participant designates which of the 42 participating nonprofit organizations will receive the proceeds from their registration.

Join the fun April 15. Weather permitting Free Guitars for Future Stars will be carrying guitars and playing "Walking" songs during the race. It'll be a 5K "open mic"! Also several charities will be hosting a booth to inform the community of their mission and volunteer needs.

For more information visit http://www.mchumanrace.org or call 815-344-4483

Early voting begins February 27 for the March 20 primary election

2012-02-25T00:20:00Z

McHenry County voters, regardless of precinct, can vote at any of 10 locations until March 15, 2012. Voters must show valid photo identification.

Anybody who votes early cannot go to the polls March 20, 2012 and revoke their ballot.

Click here for locations

Snowmobile Safety Course, January & February 2012

2012-01-15T04:08:40Z

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will host two IDNR Snowmobile Safety Certification courses.

The courses will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 21 and Feb. 18 in the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office – Training Division at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.

Both are open to children 12 and older or for those who do not have a valid driver’s license. Those who do not have a valid license must have this certificate to legally operate a snowmobile in the state of Illinois. Those who do have a valid license also may attend to expand their knowledge of snowmobile safety.

The courses cover maintenance and repair of snowmobiles, proper and safe operation, a history of snowmobiling, first aid, protection of the environment, and state laws.

Those who complete the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully complete the final examination will receive a certificate of competency and a graduate patch.

Class size is limited to 30 students, and registration is required. The class Feb. 21 will be the last class the Sheriff’s Office hosts this winter.

To register, call Cathy Hardt at 815-334-4739 or email cdhardt@co.mchenry.il.us.

For information on other snowmobile safety courses or this class, visit www.dnr.state.il.us/safety/snwmob.htm. Additional information about this class can be found through the link to North Region, then McHenry.

People in Need Forum

2012-01-06T14:39:46Z

On Saturday, January 28, individuals looking for information about assistance available to people in need are encouraged to attend a forum that will be held at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. If you work for a human service agency, a faith-based organization, a civic group, or if you are a county, township, municipal elected official or employee, or if you are interested in knowing what resources are out there, please register online for this event at www.mchenry.edu/peopleinneed.

Information about the following will be available at the forum:

Housing and Preventing Homelessness
Health Care Services for the Underinsured
Medication Assistance
Understanding Debtors' Rights
Bullying & Technology Safety
Behavioral/ Medical Health Issues
State & Federal Benefits
Veterans' Concerns
Suicide Awareness
Adult Children with Special Needs
Emergency Assistance
Senior Wellness
Family Violence Awareness
Latino Issues

The People in Need forum will take place from 8:30am to 12:30 pm at McHenry County College, 8900 Rt. US Hwy 14 in Crystal Lake. Additional forum information can be obtained by calling 815-479-7792.

Snowmobile Safety Course, December 10, 2011

2011-11-28T05:07:13Z

WOODSTOCK – The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will host an IDNR snowmobile safety certification course next month.

The class will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the McHenry County Government Center in the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office – Training Division.

The course is open to children 12 years of age and older and for those who do not have a valid driver’s license.

Those who do not have a valid driver’s license need to have this certificate to legally operate a snowmobile in the state of Illinois.

Those who possess a valid driver’s license also may attend to expand their knowledge of snowmobile safety.

The IDNR snowmobile safety certification courses cover maintenance and repair of snowmobiles, proper and safe operation, history of snowmobiling, first aid, protection of the
environment, and the state laws.

Persons completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of
Competency and a graduate patch.

Class size is limited to 30 students and registration is required.

Participants should register in advance with Cathy Hardt at 815-334-4739 or cdhardt@co.mchenry.il.us.

For information on snowmobile safety courses or this class, go to IDNR’s website: http://www.dnr.state.il.us/safety/snwmob.htm.

Additional information on this class can be found through the link to North Region, then McHenry.

McHenry Township Launches Blue Star Banner Program

2011-11-06T15:09:39Z

The Blue Star Banner Program is all about remembering our local men and women who are currently serving in the military.

It dates back to a tradition that began in World War I and carried on through World War II. The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917 and quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in military service. A Blue Star Flag hung in the windows of homes gained widespread use during World War II, when nearly every U.S. home or organization displayed the banner to honor those who served. Each blue star on the flag indicates a family member in military service.

At its monthly board meeting on August 11, 2011, McHenry Township Board of Trustees voted to launch a township-wide Blue Star Banner Program in order to give its residents the opportunity to show their support to the family members of those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The qualified recipients (authorized family member) will be invited to attend a Township Board Meeting where they will be presented with the Blue Star Banner and a special Resolution in their honor.

Authorized family members include the wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother or father, parent through adoption, foster parents, children through adoption, brother, sister and half brother/sister of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

To be eligible to receive a Blue Star Flag, the serviceman or servicewoman must be currently deployed and the qualified family member must currently reside in McHenry Township.

If you are a member of a military family residing in McHenry Township, please click on this link to apply for a Blue Star Banner and for more information or call 815-385-5605.

The above information is courtesy of McHenry Township.

Smart Money Seminar

2011-11-06T15:06:26Z

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Admission and refreshments are complimentary, however registration is required.

LOCATION
McHenry Township
3707 N Richmond Rd
Johnsburg IL 60051

FEATURED SPEAKER
Dan Rutherford
Illinois State Treasurer

This seminar is designed to help you learn new skills and techniques to navigate today's economic landscape.
It will include speakers on budgeting, credit, and great networking opportunities.

Complimentary Lunch

Click here for more information and registration

Trail of History

2011-10-05T02:04:26Z

TRAIL OF HISTORY EVENT ATTRACTIONS

• View a re-enactment of military tactics during the French and Indian War.

• Children will enjoy learning in the frontier schoolhouse, making cornhusk dolls or candles and playing pioneer games. Parents, bring a camera to photograph your children at the dress-up area!

• Dr. Balthazar will awe visitors with his traveling medicine show.

• Visit vendors selling authentic wares and culinary treats.

• Musicians, dancers, and much more!

Saturday & Sunday,Trail of History
October 15 & 16, 2011
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.*

Lost Valley Ventures  offer outdoor fun

2011-10-05T01:56:56Z

RINGWOOD – Area families are encouraged to explore and learn at a Lost Valley Venture at the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park.

Lost Valley Ventures will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. each Saturday at the park, west of the intersection of Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

The program includes a nature lesson, game and activity based around the theme of the month. October’s theme is fall color.

Weather permitting, those attending will go for a short outdoor exploratory hike with staff, so dress for the weather and for walking.

No registration is required and all ages are welcome. The program is intended for families and cannot accommodate organized groups, said Lora Petra, community relations specialist for MCCD.

Youth group leaders should call the Prairieview Education Center at 815-479-5779 to schedule a program.

McHenry County Conservation District

Johnsburg Walmart

2011-10-05T01:49:12Z

JOHNSBURG – The wait is almost over – the highly anticipated Johnsburg Walmart is set to open its doors Oct. 26, officials said.

“Right now we’re taking in product, filling shelves and finishing up fixtures,” co-manager George Reyes said.

The new 185,000-square-foot location will take on more than 500 employees once all the wheels are in motion, making it the largest Walmart employer in McHenry County, Reyes added.

“Everybody’s really excited,” Reyes said. “We’ve been having team meetings and associate meetings with anywhere from 100 to 200 employees a day.”

The store will offer a full selection of groceries, a drive-through pharmacy, and general merchandise. Though an auto store had been mentioned in the past, Reyes said, there will be no such facility.

The village of Johnsburg also is looking forward to the new business brought in by the “Supercenter.”

The village estimated in a budget presentation earlier in the year that Walmart sales tax revenue could give the village an extra $200,000 for the 2012 budget year, reflecting sales tax collections for a partial year based upon an anticipated fall opening. Village Administrator Claudett Peters said that future projections will depend on the numbers they see over time once the store has been opened.

“We’ve been waiting for this day,” Village President Ed Hettermann said. “Long term it’s the start of a great future for the village. It started with Shops at the Fox River and JC Penney, and this just expands it. For quite a few years, residents have been asking us to expand the commercial tax base. It took us some new infrastructure to do it, but we invested in that and we’re finally realizing some of the payoff.”

BLIVIN STREET OVER THE NIPPERSINK CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

2011-10-05T01:47:22Z

LOCATION: The Blivin Street bridge over the Nippersink Creek is located approximately 0.1 miles North of U.S. Route 12, in the Village of Spring Grove, Illinois. Blivin Street will be open to local traffic only allowing access to the Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park when possible, as well as the residences between the RR-Xing and the bridge. During construction the bridge itself will be closed to all traffic at all times for the duration of the project. A Marked Detour will be provided using Main Street, Wilmot Road and U.S. Route 12.

PROJECT SCOPE: This project will replace the existing 150-foot long by 30 foot wide three-span precast deck beam bridge built in 1968. The new bridge will be 158-feet long with a 26-foot wide roadway and 5’-9” wide sidewalks on each side. It will again be a three-span structure but with an 8-inch poured concrete deck on six 24-inch deep wide flange steel beams. This project also includes approach slabs and pavement reconstruction and storm sewers at both bridge approaches and armoring of the stream banks.

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

Work to start August 8, 2011 with the bridge closure and Detour Route signing.

Milestone 1: Interim Completion date of November 15, 2011 for bridge opening.

Milestone 2: Final completion date of May 11, 2012

Schedule subject to variation due to weather.

IMPACT TO TRAFFIC

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Blivin Street will be closed to through traffic between U.S. Route 12 and Main Street beginning August 8th, 2011 until approximately November 15th, 2011. Traffic will be detoured via Main Street, Wilmot Road and U.S. Route 12. Access up to the bridge site will be maintained for local traffic only.

The McHenry County Division of Transportation apologizes for any inconvenience, and is appreciative of your patience and understanding during the construction of this important improvement to the local highway system.

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION:

McHenry County Division of Transportation

Resident Engineer: Kevin Charles

Phone: (815) 334-4965

Mobile: (815) 482-4068

E-mail: kxcharles@co.mchenry.il.us

Construction Engineer: James C. Werner, P.E.

Phone: (815) 334-4968

Mobile: (815) 483-1071

E-mail jcwerner@co.mchenry.il.us

Illinois Department of Transportation

Local Agency Area Engineer Christopher Brazas

Phone: (847) 705-4341

E-mail: Christoper.Brazas@illinois.gov

Dunnet Bay Construction Company

Project Manager Michael Paine

Phone: (847) 539-1200

Mobile: (847) 514-0455

E-mail: m.paine@dunnetbay.net

View the project website at: http://www.McHenryCountyDOT.org

Click here to see the project location and detour map

Stratton Lock & Dam

2011-05-14T02:07:00Z

Phone: 815-385-2848; Hours of Operation: IDNR lock tenders will operate the Stratton Lock seven days a week from 8 a.m.-midnight May 1-September 30. The lock will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week October 1-31. The lock is closed for the season each year November 1-April 30.

McHenry County Board Districts Proposed Map - 5/12/11

2011-05-14T02:03:00Z

Click here to view the map.

Dear McHenry County Resident,

In conjunction with the release of the decennial census, McHenry County has the opportunity and responsibility to redraw the County Board districts. Last month, the McHenry County Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, along with the McHenry County Board, adopted criteria to develop the redistricting map. The County Board decided to maintain six districts with four members each. The new target population for each of the six districts is 51,460. Also, the Board required district populations to be less than 3% deviation from the target population. This map accomplishes these criteria with the highest deviation from the target population being 1.31%.

Now that Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs generated a map, we want to hear from you! Please take the opportunity to contact your County Board member and let them know what you think about the map (Click here to contact your County Board member). Comments may also be directed to Adam Lehmann in McHenry County Administration at 815-334-0309 or aflehmann@co.mchenry.il.us. The Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will be hosting an Open House before the next County Board meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the County Board Room at the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road in Woodstock, IL.

HUMAN RACE

2011-03-26T19:37:00Z

On April 16, 2011, during National Volunteer Week, the Volunteer Center of McHenry County will host The Human Race. This is a unique event which benefits any charity organization which serves McHenry County and wishes to participate. The Human Race is a proven collaborative fundraiser that has taken place in communities around the nation for over 22 years.

The 5K walk/run will take place in McHenry’s industrial park on Prime Parkway. Walkers/runners will gather donations/pledges to support their desired charity or simply participate in the event. All ages are welcome to come out and join the community in supporting volunteerism!

For More Information click on the link below.

Human Race

SUNNY AWARD

2011-03-26T19:34:00Z

A national transparency organization has given McHenry County government’s website its top rating for available information.

The county was one of 112 governments nationwide that won a “Sunny Award,” or an A rating, from Sunshine Review this year.

The award means that the county met all 10 of the agency’s criteria for posting budgets, meeting times and minutes, information on elected and employed officials, building permits and zoning, audits, contracts, lobbying, taxes and other public records.

McHenry, DuPage and Madison counties got A-plus ratings for their websites, and Lake and Will counties received Sunny Awards with A-minus ratings.

The McHenry County Board set getting an A-plus rating as a priority, Assistant County Administrator Adam Lehmann said.

County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, R-Crystal Lake, reiterated the priority in his State of the County address Feb. 1.

“The biggest thing I’m personally excited about is that we’re taking a look at web-streaming meetings, and doing everything we can to bring more light to what we do,” Lehmann said.

Sunshine Review is a nonprofit organization dedicated to government transparency, engaging citizens and holding governments accountable. It works with people and groups nationwide to promote state and local transparency.

County government over the past year has created an email newsletter and an online portal for Freedom of Information Act requests. The County Board last November adopted a requirement, proposed by a county environmental group, that officials and office seekers list land holdings and other economic interests with the county clerk.

While McHenry County received an A-plus, Sunshine Review overall gave Illinois counties a D grade. Of the 65 Illinois county governments that have websites, 41 of them are ranked D or F by the group.

Sunshine Review rates the state government’s website with a B grade.

Other neighboring counties do not rank as high as McHenry. Sunshine Review ranks Kane County’s website as a B-minus, Cook County’s as a C, and Boone County’s as a D.

Don't forget to vote!

2010-10-15T03:10:00Z

Early voting began on Monday, October 11, 2010. To see who is on your ballot, Click here
For locations of early voting, Click here

Holy Apostles Fall Fest

2010-09-08T13:17:00Z

Come Celebrate Our Parish at Fall Fest!

Holy Apostles’ 21st Birthday is coming and we’re celebrating with our annual Fall Fest.

Fall Fest will start out on Friday, September 17, with an exciting and fast-paced night of BUNCO. If you can roll dice, you can play BUNCO! It’s fun and doesn’t re-quire any special skills or knowledge. Doors open and check-in begins at 6 PM. Games begin at 7 PM. Sign up as an individual or as a group of 4, 8 or 12. (Participants must be 21.) Groups of 12 will play together all evening. Smaller groups will begin together in a pod of 12. The cost is $20.00 per person which includes snacks and desserts. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. There will be prizes awarded and raffles, too! Registration forms are available at the Information Center or on the Holy Apostles website under “Forms.” Let the good times roll at the Fall Fest Bunco Bash!

Fall Fest continues on Saturday, September 18, with the Fall Fest Round-Up. Mosey on in for some tasty grub, thrilling games and raffles and rousing dance music! The day begins at 12 PM with games, snacks, horse rides, and fun for the kids. A tasty Tex-Mex dinner will be served from 5 PM to 7 PM. Delicious pulled pork and sloppy joe sand-wiches, a variety of Mexican specialties, several sides and scrumptious desserts will be offered for dinner. The dinner cost is $10 for ages 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; free for age 4 and under or a flat price of $30 per family. At 7 PM, Dr. Rhythm and the Rockers will provide some toe-tappin’ tunes to get you out on the dance floor. Games and raffles will continue through the evening. Western wear is highly encouraged! Round up the family and be part of this celebration weekend!

2nd Annual Good Guys vs Good Guys Charity Softball Event

2010-07-20T03:52:00Z

2nd Annual Good Guys vs Good Guys
Charity Softball Event
A Benefit for FISH of McHenry Food Pantry.

Saturday Aug. 14th 4 PM - 9 PM

McHenry Township Park
3703 N. Richmond Rd.
Johnsburg
(Rt 31 and Johnsburg Rd. behind the McHenry Moose Lodge.)

Come take in a great family evening as City of McHenry

Police Chief Bill Brogan and his team of Good Guys Police Officers
AND
McHenry Township Fire Chief Tony Huemann and his
team of Good Guys Firefighters take on
the managers of the McHenry Christian Fellowship Softball League in an action packed softball extravaganza to raise funds for FISH of McHenry Food Pantry.

For your enjoyment and entertainment;
Hot grilled food, corn roast, refreshments and tasty desserts!

Nice prizes raffled every half inning!

A grand time for a grand cause!

Event is free with a suggested donation at the gate;
$10 per family, $5 per single. Seniors FREE.

Click here for more information!

The 20th Annual Children’s Health & Safety Fair

2010-07-18T03:22:00Z

The McHenry County Children’s Fair Coalition announces

the 20^th annual Children’s Health & Safety Fair

Wednesday, August 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

at McHenry County College, on Rt. 14 in Crystal Lake

Admission to the Children’s Health and Safety Fair is FREE. In addition to the games, give-aways, door prizes and entertainment, the fair offers parents a convenient opportunity to obtain important medical services for their children prior to the beginning of the new school year.

For more information click here