Spring is here. Check out what’s happening in McHenry County!

Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on services, programs to help our citizens, and events in our county through Resume McHenry County updates.

Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as we move forward in McHenry County. If MCEDC can be of any help, please call. Forward this email to your friends and family to help get the word out!

Metra adding a dozen trains to weekday schedule

Metra has announced that it will add 12 more weekday commuter trains to its schedule for the UP-Northwest Line serving McHenry County.

The new schedule will provide service at least every 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hour, and hourly service to most UP-NW line stations during off-peak hours.

Now that work has officially begun on the three-year Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project – can we say “expect major delays?” – commuters now have an even better option to avoid the hassle of driving through construction to get to work.

Departure and arrival times will shift for many trains to accommodate the extra service; you can review the new schedule by clicking here.

Employers can still sign up for disability workshop, job fair

Time is running out for employers to register to attend an April 5 workshop to learn more about the advantages of hiring people with disabilities.

The one-hour virtual workshop starts at 9 a.m. April 5, and covers how workers with different abilities can help address ongoing labor shortages, as well as hiring incentives and other topics. Employers can register for the event by clicking here.

A week later, on April 12, the Disability Job Fair will be hosted at the MCC Shah Center, where people with disabilities can meet employers ready to hire. There’s still space available for businesses that would like to have a booth! You can sign up by clicking here.

The link can also be used for employers who want their business to be listed on the flyer that will be handed out to job seekers at the event – but the deadline to sign up is tomorrow.

Spring thaw means spring fun in McHenry County

While McHenry County is home to year-round activities and fun, a lot of options come out of hibernation with spring.

Farms come alive with planting season, conservation areas and hiking trails re-open (keep reading this week’s edition to learn more), farmers markets return to weekly outdoor events, restaurants begin opening outdoor dining … the list goes on and on.

Fortunately, if you’re looking for springtime activities for yourself or the family, our friends at Naturally McHenry County have put together a great starting list of activities that are open now, and others to look forward to soon. Click here to check it out.

Workforce Network/E-911 Board holding joint open house

Our invaluable McHenry County Workforce Network and our Emergency Telephone System (E-911) Board are holding an open house on Thursday morning.

The Workforce Network helps McHenry County residents find good jobs and obtain the training needed for them. There’s not enough space in this newsletter to lay out all the important work they do – you can learn more about them by clicking here.

The network shares a building with the ETSB. Its 13-member board has the equally vital job of overseeing McHenry County’s enhanced 911 system.

The open house lasts from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 23, at their offices at 500 Russel Court, Woodstock. Come learn about everything they do!

McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail still going strong

With warm weather returning soon – not counting the obligatory April snowstorm Mother Nature almost always throws our way – it’s a great time to take up the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail challenge!

Participating in the challenge means visiting 10 (soon to be 11) local breweries and distilleries at your own pace. Before you order, ask your server for the check-in code and enter it through the Naturally McHenry County smart phone app. A prize awaits you upon completion of the challenge.

The craft beverage trail, which highlights our growing local craft beverage industry, will continue through the summer. Visit www.McHCraftBev.com to download the Naturally McHenry County phone app and participate.

MCCD winter closures have lifted

Speaking of spring, the McHenry County Conservation District’s winter closures have been lifted, and its sites are open for spring!

Parking lots at some sites are still closed, but are scheduled to re-open on March 29. Also, some sites and trail segments are closed for construction and/or rehabilitation.

Click here to check on the status of your favorite MCCD sites, trails, canoe launches and horse trails!