The Spring Grove Public Works Department was among only 85 facilities across the United States and Canada to receive a 2017 Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award from the Salt Institute.

McHenry County

MCC paramedic program achieves national accreditation

McHenry County College (MCC) announced that its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program recently achieved national accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. To earn the distinction, MCC’s EMS program demonstrated substantial compliance with nationally established accreditation standards during a visit by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). Currently, only a portion of the paramedic programs in Illinois have achieved CoAEMSP recognition, cited in the report as confirmation of MCC’s commitment to excellence in providing paramedic education and creating job opportunities for graduates. For more information, call (815) 344-3700 or visit www.mchenry.edu.

Cary 

Village open house to address anti-flooding measures

The village announced that it will host an open house to discuss the village-wide drainage analysis that was recently completed. The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 1 at Village Hall, 655 Village Hall Drive. Engineers from Christopher B. Burke Engineering will be available to answer any questions residents may have regarding future flooding improvements. Exhibits to assist in conveying the information will be on display as well. For more information, call (847) 639-0003 or visit www.caryillinois.com.

Huntley

Longtime school administrator Awrey to retire in spring

Huntley Community School District 158 reported that longtime administrator Terry Awrey has announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of the 2017-18 school year. Awrey, originally hired by District 158 as a teacher in 1985, has served as associate superintendent (for 6-12 education) for the past several years. He previously served in the roles of head football coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, summer custodian and bus driver. Awrey will be replaced as associate superintendent by Dr. Scott Rowe, currently the principal of Huntley High School. Rowe has served in the latter role for the past five years, and previously served as principal at Marlowe Middle School. He is slated to begin serving as associate superintendent in the 2018-19 school year. For more information, call (847) 659-6158 or visit www.district158.org.

Island Lake

E-cigarettes topic of next Community Watch Meeting

The village announced that the Island Lake Police Department’s next Community Watch Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 12 at the Village of Island Lake Senior Center, 3720 Greenleaf Ave. The topic for March is Electronic Cigarette Education. All ages are welcome. The meetings are held the second Monday of every other month as a means for the Island Lake Police Department to unite with residents and businesses to inform, protect and improve the community. For more information, contact Officer Lisa Knebl via email at lisa@islandlakepolice.com, call (847) 526-2100 or visit www.villageofislandlake.com.

Spring Grove

Public Works nets Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award

The Spring Grove Public Works Department was among only 85 facilities across the United States and Canada to receive a 2017 Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award from the Salt Institute. The award signifies excellence in environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter road salt. Recipients of the award must meet or exceed nearly 70 different criteria, covering the categories of storage, equipment, safety, environmental protection and service. The award is considered to represent the highest acclaim for public safety and the environment. The Salt Institute is a Florida-based non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the benefits of salt, primarily to ensure winter roadway safety, quality water and healthy nutrition. For more information, call (815) 675-2121 or visit www.springgrovevillage.com.

Richmond

Horse Expo offers peek at Main Stay’s programs

Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, 6919 Keystone Road, will host its Horse Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10. The equestrian-focused event (open to the public) will feature a wide variety of demonstrations, as well as vendors. Main Stay is a non-profit agency that provides therapeutic riding, and equine and animal-assisted, therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and social disabilities. Presentations at Horse Expo will include riding and horse care, including Working Equitation, Introduction to Ground Poles, Hoof Care, Scoring Equine Body Condition and the Masterson Method. Opportunities to learn more about Main Stay’s programs and animals also will be available. Admission is a suggested $2 donation; all proceeds will go toward supporting Main Stay and its programs. For more information, call (815) 653-9374 or visit www.mainstayfarm.org.

Lake in the Hills

Parks & Rec to host pair of St. Pat’s-themed events

The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department will host Clover Hunt (for ages 1-7) and the Leprechaun Brunch ‘N Lunch (all ages) on March 10 at Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate. Clover Hunt, beginning at 10 a.m., offers participants an opportunity to hunt for clovers outside of Village Hall (rain, snow or shine). Each clover will have a treat attached, and one lucky four-leaf clover will contain a special prize. Admission to Clover Hunt is free. The Leprechaun Brunch ‘N Lunch (10:30 a.m. to noon) includes a live bagpipe performance and Family Leprechaun Bingo following the meal. The event’s buffet menu features “lucky” pancakes, “pot-o-gold” mac-and-cheese, “emerald” scrambled eggs, “rainbow” deli sandwiches and other St. Patrick’s Day-themed eats and treats. The cost is $12 (residents) and $15 (non-residents) per person, and $40 (residents) and $49 (non-residents) per each family of four. Pre-registration is recommended; limited cash-only event day registration will include a $5 surcharge per admission. Children must be accompanied by an an adult, and parties of under eight guests will be seated with similar smaller groups. To register, visit www.lith.org. For more information, call (847) 960-7460.

–McHenry County News Briefs–