The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development reported that residents of the unincorporated areas of McHenry County will soon receive a reduction in their flood insurance premiums due to increased floodplain management measures enacted by the county under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

McHenry County

County’s flood insurance rating improves

The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development reported that residents of the unincorporated areas of McHenry County will soon receive a reduction in their flood insurance premiums due to increased floodplain management measures enacted by the county under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the NFIP, which administers the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed NFIP requirements. As a member of the CRS, unincorporated McHenry County has moved from a Class 8 to a Class 7 participant. In total, the upgrade in class rating level accounts for a total of savings of more than $112,700 annually for citizens of unincorporated McHenry County, an increase of nearly $37,000 from Class 8. For the typical homeowner with an average annual premium of $1,342, the average estimated savings for those with flood insurance policies will rise from $138 to $205. For more information, call the NFIP at 800-427-4661 or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Trio of MCC foundation members net honors

McHenry County College (MCC) announced that three members of the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation’s prestigious Education to Empowerment (E2E) Scholarship program have been named 2018 Women of Distinction Award recipients. Erin Smith, of Lakewood, founding chair of the E2E program; Bobbi Baehne, of McHenry, a foundation board member; and Carole Peters, of Marengo, an E2E member and executive director of United Way Greater McHenry County were recognized at the Women of Distinction Awards luncheon, held May 10 in Lake in the Hills. The annual Women of Distinction Award, sponsored by Shaw Media, is presented to women who have been chosen as representative role models and leaders in their field and communities. The Education to Empowerment scholarship program began in 2013 with the goal of bringing together 100 influential McHenry County women to provide scholarships and mentoring opportunities for MCC female students. To date, E2E has awarded $168,000 in scholarships to 21 students. For more information, call 815-479-7529 or visit www.mchenry.edu.

Huntley

Village to host Public Works Open House

The village announced that the Huntley Public Works Open House be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 19 at the Public Works and Engineering Department, 11000 Bakley St. The event includes touch-a-truck, equipment displays, demonstrations and light refreshments. In addition, Public Works employees will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, tools and equipment required to maintain the village, and staff members will be on hand to answer any questions concerning the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES Phase II program. For more information, call 847-515-5200 or visit www.huntley.il.us.        

Johnsburg

JEPF 5K Run/Walk & Pet Parade on tap

The Johnsburg Educational Partnership Foundation (JEPF) will hold the Sprint to Summer 5K Run/Walk & Pet Parade on May 19 at Hiller Park, 5500 Skyhawk Lane. Runners’ prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place overall in the 5K Run/Walk, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $15 (students) and $30 (adults). Festively attired dogs will compete in the Pet Parade (10 a.m.) in the following categories: Best Pet Costume, Most Original Costume and Best Costume Duo (Pet & Owner). The registration fee is $10 per pet. Participants who pre-register will receive an additional raffle entry. All registration fees will increase $5 for walk-ups. The event will be held rain or shine. All proceeds will help build strong technology resources for School District 12 students. To pre-register, visit www.jepf.org. For more information, contact JEPF at 815-900-3366 or via email at jepf@jepf.org.

Lake in the Hills

Police Dept. to host bicycle safety event

The village announced Ridin’ Right with LITH PD, a bicycle safety event open to children of all ages, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 at the Village Hall parking lot, 600 Harvest Gate. Attendees will ride with the Lake in the Hills Police Department Tactical Bike Unit and on maneuverability cone courses while learning about bicycle safety, proper bike and helmet fit, and Illinois bicycle rules of the road and traffic laws. In addition, the village will offer Child Identification Card services during the event. Admission is free. No pre-registration is required. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children. Lunch will be provided by Jersey Mike’s Subs. For more information, call 847-960-7400 or visit www.lith.org.

Richmond

Library offers AARP Driver Safety Program

The Nippersink Public Library, 5418 Hill Road, is offering a AARP Driver Safety Program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 30 and 31. Participants (ages 50 and up) must attend both days to complete the program. Attendees will refresh their driving skills, learn techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way and roundabouts, and discover proven methods to stay safe on the road. Upon completion, participants may be able to receive an auto insurance discount through their provider. The program fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Checks should be made payable to AARP and given to the instructor on the first day of class. Coffee will be provided; bring a water bottle or beverage and a snack. Registration is required, and is due by May 25. To sign up, call the library at 815-678-4014. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/drive. 

–McHenry County News Briefs–