McHenry County News Briefs

Chronicle Media
The Crystal Lake Police Department, in conjunction with McHenry County Safe Kids, will host a free child safety seat inspection from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at Pauly Toyota, 1035 S. Route 31.

The Crystal Lake Police Department, in conjunction with McHenry County Safe Kids, will host a free child safety seat inspection from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at Pauly Toyota, 1035 S. Route 31.

Crystal Lake

Library offers volunteer management resource tool

Everyone Ready, an online volunteer management resource, is now available — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday — at Volunteer Center McHenry County’s Resource Library, 620 Dakota Street. Everyone Ready has 39 modules to help individuals in volunteer management or those seeking careers in volunteer management. Sessions include topics regarding corporate volunteerism, volunteers and social media, turning single days of service into longer volunteer involvement, volunteer program assessments, and more. To reserve computer time for the program, call (815) 344-4483. For more information, visit www.volunteercentermchenrycounty.org.

Police Department to host child safety seat program

The Crystal Lake Police Department, in conjunction with McHenry County Safe Kids, will host a free child safety seat inspection from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at Pauly Toyota, 1035 S. Route 31. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration child passenger safety technicians will be available to educate and assist parents and caregivers with the correct installation and use of child safety seats in their vehicles, and will answer any questions regarding child passenger safety recommendations. No registration or appointment is necessary. For more information, contact Crystal Lake Police Community Relations Officer Eddie Pluviose at (815) 356-3731 or by email at epluviose@crystallake.org.

Woodstock

City announces progress on Ryders Woods project

The city reported that through a collaborative grant funded by the McHenry County Community Foundation, it is working with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County on the final stages of cleanup and restoration at Ryders Woods Park, located at East Kimball and Lake avenues. A large area of waste concrete slabs has been excavated and taken out, which also required removal of undesirable vegetation that will be replaced with more attractive trees and shrubs. When the project is finished, a new entrance and adjoining trail will be added to connect Ryders Woods Park to the Peace Park area, with implementation of new plantings and an educational kiosk, as well as a planned wildflower learning garden.

Library seeking donations of food items

The Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., is seeking donations of nonperishable food items in conjunction with its annual “Have a Heart Week” (Feb. 8-14). Donated food will be given to the Woodstock Food Pantry for distribution to McHenry County families in need. Recommended food items include peanut butter and jelly, canned fruits and vegetables, dried milk, soup, pasta and pasta sauce. Expired and perishable items will not be accepted. Bathroom products such as soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and personal care items also are needed. In addition, the library will waive overdue fines in exchange for canned food donations. Maximum fine clearance is $5, and does not apply to lost or damage charges. For more information, call (815) 338-0542 or visit www.woodstockpubliclibrary.org.

Algonquin

Village earns certificate for performance management

The village reported that it has been recognized for its performance management efforts with a Certificate of Achievement from the International City/County Management Association Center for Performing Analytics. Algonquin was among five jurisdictions to receive the honor in 2015. The certificate program assesses a local government’s performance management program and encourages analysis of results by comparing to peers and gauging performance over time. Algonquin’s performance management program aids in cost reduction, program prioritization and quality improvements while encouraging accountability and transparency. For more information, visit the transparency portal (under the Government link) at www.algonquin.org.

Cary

Public hearing set to discuss Meyer Material project

The village’s Board of Zoning, Planning and Appeals will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 — at the Holiday Inn, 800 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake — to consider Meyer Material’s request for additional time to complete mining and restoration activities on their property, located on the west side of the village. Under current zoning approvals, Meyer Material must complete mining by June 1, 2016 and restoration by June 1, 2018. Meyer is requesting to extend the time period for completion of the activities until June 1, 2020. The public is invited to provide comments at the meeting. Those unable to attend can send comments by email to villagehall@caryillinois.com. For more information, call (847) 639-1100.

McHenry

City Council approves car dealer expansion proposal

The City Council reported that it recently approved a proposal by Sunnyside Chrysler Dodge Ram to complete a building expansion at 4810 W. Elm St. in order to accommodate the acquisition of a Jeep franchise. The proposed addition, measuring 3,870 square feet, will be constructed to the east of the existing building on the north side of Elm Street. The city stated that Sunnyside’s expansion is critical to its long-term, ongoing commitment to revitalize West Elm Street between Meadow Lane on the east and Ringwood Road on the west. For more information, visit www.mchenrymarketpulse.blogspot.com.

Island Lake

Lions Club to hold Ice Fishing Derby

The Island Lake Lions Club will present its 2016 Ice Fishing Derby from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 on Island Lake, with headquarters at Eastway Park, 3705 Eastway Drive. Hourly prizes (in adults and children’s divisions) will be given for the longest fish in the following categories: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and perch. In addition, there will be drawings and more. The cost to participate is $15 (adults) and $5 (children ages 15 and under). In case of warmer weather, a back-up date of Feb. 20 has been set. For more information, send an email to liongeoff@sbc.global.net or visit www.villageoffishandlake.org.

Fox Lake

Senior luncheon to include live entertainment

The village and Grant Township Center will host a senior luncheon, with entertainment provided by percussionist/vocalist Dennis Koppo, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd. The cost is $8 per person, and includes salad, mostaccioli, vegetable, bread, dessert and a beverage. Reservations are required. For more information, call (847) 587-3944 or visit www.foxlake.org.

–McHenry County News Briefs–