The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission is offering a bus tour through the McHenry County countryside, including viewings of landmark buildings and sites, on Oct. 14. The bus will depart at 9 a.m. from the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., and return at 4:30 p.m.

McHenry County

Bus tour offers views of landmark buildings and sites

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission is offering a bus tour through the McHenry County countryside, including viewings of landmark buildings and sites, on Oct. 14. The bus will depart at 9 a.m. from the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., and return at 4:30 p.m. Tour stops include the Woodstock Opera House, the Frank and Louise Newman House, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tryon Grove Farm, the Rudolph Hutchinson House, Greenwood School, the Powers-Walker Historic House, the John James House, Holcombville School, the Christopher/William Walkup House and the Ormsby-Starck House. Tickets are $20 per person or $27 with a boxed lunch (provided by Heavenly Ham). Reservations and payment are required in advance at McHenry County Planning & Development, 667 Ware Road (Room 208), Woodstock or by phone at (815) 334-4560. Space is limited. For more information, including a detailed itinerary, visit www.co.mchenry.il.us.

 Huntley

 Seven Dist. 158 schools earn PBIS recognition

Huntley Community School District 158 reported that seven of its nine schools (Chesak, Conley, Mackeben, Martin and Legee elementary schools, Heineman Middle School and Huntley High School) were recognized by the Midwest PBIS Network for outstanding implementation of the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) system in 2016-17. District 158 stated that PBIS is a proven model for establishing and promoting positive behavioral supports needed for students to achieve success at all levels. PBIS guides schools in identifying, implementing and sustaining effective practices to create a positive school culture that is safe, respectful and conducive to learning. Once each school year, the Midwest PBIS Network formally recognizes schools across the state that demonstrate implementation and sustainability of the system through measurable criteria. For more information, call (847) 659-6600 or visit www.district158.org.

Huntley Village Board approves new restaurant in downtown square

The Huntley Village Board recently approved plans for a BBQ King Smokehouse restaurant in the village’s downtown square. The new, 12,161-square-foot building will be constructed along Coral Street between the American Legion Hall and the Chamber of Commerce office. The restaurant space will be 7,973 square feet and two stories tall, and will include a patio area for outdoor dining and wrought iron fencing. The building also will contain space for two additional commercial tenants, with each space consisting of 1,500 square feet (single story with a faux second story facade). The project continues the village’s revitalization efforts. The restaurant is expected to open in the spring of 2018. For more information, call (815) 515-5200 or visit www.huntley.il.us.

Spring Grove

 Wine & Craft Beer Tasting to benefit Hatchery Park

The village announced that the 2nd Annual Wine & Craft Beer Tasting, a fundraiser to benefit Hatchery Park, will be held from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 7 at Hatchery Park, 2314 Hatchery Road. The event features tastings of 24 wines and 10 craft brews, including five flagship beers from Crystal Lake Brewing, as well as appetizers prepared by American Cafe. Attendees arriving early will have an opportunity to taste a special brew from Crystal Lake Brewing that is only available on tap in growlers. All attendees will receive a complimentary tasting glass. Advanced tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.forwinelovers.com. Tickets are $35 at the door. For more information, call (815) 675-2121 or visit www.springgrovevillage.com.

 Island Lake

 Island Lake Fall Fest coming to Veterans Park

The village announced that the 2017 Island Lake Fall Fest will be held from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 7 at Veterans Park, 316 Island Drive. The event includes free hayrides, free crafts, free coffee and drinks, and the Halloween Costume Contest (ages 12 and under), with prizes awarded for the top three costumes. In addition, children can pick their own pumpkin (right off the vine) and decorate it ($3 each). Attendees also can guess the weight of the village’s large pumpkin to win the pumpkin and take it home. Ice cream sundaes, with all the trimmings, will be available for $1 each. For more information, call (847) 526-8764 or visit www.villageofislandlake.com.

 Crystal Lake

Fire Rescue Dept. to host annual Open House

The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department will host its annual Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Station 1, located in the Municipal Complex at 100 W. Woodstock St. The theme of this year’s event is, “Don’t Wait — Check the Date: Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” Attendees will learn about ways to keep their home safe by having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, checking for fire hazards, and preparing and practicing evacuation plans with their families. The event also includes tours of the fire station, jaws of life and fire extinguisher demonstrations, fire hose drills, a firefighter skills course for children, the Safety House (where children can learn how to escape from a smoke-filled house), a Flight for Life helicopter landing, “hands-only” CPR training and blood pressure screenings. In addition, firefighters and paramedics will be on hand, and representatives from NICOR will have an interactive display and answer questions. Refreshments will be provided by the Salvation Army. For more information, call (815) 356-3640 or visit www.crystallake.org.

 Marengo

City announces slate for fall leaf pick-up

The city announced that fall leaf pick-up is scheduled for the following locations and dates: north of the railroad tracks (Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 6 and Nov. 20); and south of the railroad tracks (Oct. 16, Oct. 30, Nov. 13 and Nov. 27). All leaves must be placed on the city right-of-way (not on the street) prior to the scheduled pick-up date to ensure removal. Residents may drop off other brush at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 1350 N. State St., between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call (815) 568-7112 or visit www.cityofmarengo.com.

–McHenry County New Briefs–