The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reported that nine county residents, ranging in age from 46-82, were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease (also known as Legionella pneumonia) between June 7 and July 1.

McHenry County

Department of Health reports cases of Legionnaires’ disease

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reported that nine county residents, ranging in age from 46-82, were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease (also known as Legionella pneumonia) between June 7 and July 1. Illnesses have been reported in Union, the City of McHenry, Wonder Lake, Algonquin, Huntley and Crystal Lake. Occurring more frequently in hot, humid weather, Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment and is transmitted by aerosolization, which causes illness when a person breathes in a mist or vapor contaminated with the bacteria. Legionella bacteria is usually found in building water systems such as shower heads, hot tubs, fountains, hot water tanks and large plumbing systems. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms typically begin 2-10 days after exposure and can include muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Shortness of breath, coughing, headache or mental confusion can also be common. The disease is not known to spread person to person, and most healthy people are not at risk after being exposed to the bacteria. Individuals at increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease include those age 50 or older, or those who have certain risk factors such as being a current or former smoker, having a chronic disease or having a weakened immune system. MCDH is currently working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health to investigate the recent occurrences in McHenry County. For more information, call 815-334-4510 or visit www.cdc.gov/legionella.

Barrington Hills

Police Dept. seeks donations to aid stricken officer

The Barrington Hills Police Department (BHPD) announced that it is seeking assistance from community members as part of an effort to help BHPD Officer Jeremy Hensler, who recently was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is progressively debilitating and eventually terminal. Hensler, a 13-year BHPD veteran, served as a patrol officer in Texas for five years before moving to Illinois with his wife and young daughter, now 15 years old. He also served as a Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) Emergency Services Team (EST) sniper the last 12 years, and is a 10-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps as well. Hensler is currently on an administrative desk assignment and is in the process of obtaining a non-duty-related disability, but will progressively need more care and assistance. To aid Hensler and his family, the BHPD has created a GoFundMe page for donations, accessible at www.barringtonhills-il.gov/pay-it-forward. Donations will also be accepted by mail, with checks made payable to Jeremy Hensler and sent to: Barrington Hills Police Department, 112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, Ill. 60010 (Attn: Jeremy Hensler Fundraiser). For more information, call 847-551-3006 or visit www.barringtonhills-il.gov.

Lakemoor

Plans still in place for new Dunkin’ Donuts shop

The village and Friends of Lakemoor, IL reported that Dunkin’ Donuts is still planning to develop the former Three Brothers Restaurant property at 209 W. Rand Road with a 2,013-square-foot building that includes a drive-through and a total dining capacity of 72 seats (36 indoors and 36 outdoors). In conjunction with the development, a new water main will be extended to the site and will be available to adjoining properties. All necessary zoning entitlements with the village have been obtained by Dunkin’ Donuts, but the development cannot proceed until a driveway permit has been obtained from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Pending approval of the permit, Dunkin’ Donuts expects to begin construction in the fall. For more information, call 815-385-1117 or visit ww.lakemoor.net.    

Johnsburg

Native plants focus of environmental group program

The village announced that the Lake-To-Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones, a national, non-profit environmental education and advocacy organization, will host Natural Landscaping: An Introduction at 10:15 a.m. July 22 at Joyful Harvest Lutheran Church, 5050 N. Johnsburg Road. The program — free and open to the public — will be presented by Wild Ones board member and native gardener Sandy Washburn. Washburn earned her Master Gardener certificate at Chicago Botanic Garden and is active in local efforts to remove invasive species and restore appropriate natives to those areas. She also helps coordinate a garden project in Highland Park that provides fresh produce to a local food pantry. Washburn’s presentation will focus on what native plants are and how they can enhance a property while benefiting the environment; ways to attract and support birds, butterflies and pollinators; practical steps for creating beautiful, low-maintenance plantings that can help solve landscaping problems; and local and online resources to help projects get started. For more information, call 847-546-4198 or visit www.laketoprairie.wildones.org.

Cary

Public meeting to address plans for Route 31 corridor

The village announced that a community workshop concerning the Algonquin-Cary Subarea Plan will be held at 7 p.m. July 23 at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road. The subarea plan represents a shared vision between Algonquin and Cary for the quarry sites and surrounding land along the Route 31 corridor. The plan will identify desired land uses and development concepts, and provide a road map for achieving long-term goals for the corridor. The plan is being developed in cooperation with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) through the Local Technical Assistance Planning Grant program. All residents, business owners, community leaders and other stakeholders from the area are invited to attend the workshop. To RSVP online, visit www.caryillinois.com. For more information, call 847-639-0003.      

–McHenry County News Briefs–