Huntley to be part of restored Chicago to Rockford rail service

State to extend passenger rail service to Rockford through Huntley

Plans call for using the existing Milwaukee West Line to provide two round trips a day by late 2027. About $275 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funding will be spent to build stations in Huntley and Belvidere, as well as improve crossings and rail bridges. Travel time is anticipated to be slightly less than two hours.

This service, once it comes to fruition, will not only boost tourism, but also will boost the economies of Winnebago, Boone and McHenry counties, who partner in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan to help further develop our regional economy.

You can learn more about the project by visiting the new website www.chicagotorockfordrail.org.

MCYSA returns to McHenry County for its 30th year

Play ball! The McHenry County Youth Sports Association’s Summer International Baseball Championship is returning for its 30th annual tournament!

More than 60 teams from across the USA, as well as teams from Canada, Brazil and Japan, will descend upon McHenry County’s baseball fields for two tournaments. The first tournament takes place July 14-17, and the second July 20-23.

The annual tournament provides youth teams an opportunity to play world-class baseball on fields across McHenry County, and for spectators to experience it, for free – there’s no cost to watch the games or attend the events.

Opening ceremonies for both tournaments take place at 7 p.m. on the first day at Lippold Park, 851 Route 176, Crystal Lake – the July 20 event will also serve as a celebration of the MCYSA’s 30th birthday.

Be sure to visit the MCYSA website and like them on Facebook for the latest news, including game locations and schedules.

Metra seeking feedback for proposed fare overhaul

Metra is seeking public input on a proposed 2024 fare plan that would significantly simplify the fare structure.

The proposal would decrease the number of fare zones from 10 to four, and discontinue the 10-ride ticket in favor of bundles of five-day passes. Commuters also will no longer be able to pay incremental fares for traveling beyond the zone on their ticket – riders will be required to buy a ticket valid for the trip they are taking.

All these changes, according to Metra, seek to make the fare structure easy to understand, as well as encourage ridership and simplify onboard fare collection.

You can learn more, and review the proposed fares, at metra.com/2024FarePlan. Feedback can be given by emailing 2024FarePlan@metrarr.com.

MCC hosting information sessions for University Center degree program

The second session is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19; it can be attended in-person at the MCC main campus, or online. You can RSVP by clicking here.

McHenry County College announced in March that it would purchase Aurora University’s annex near downtown Woodstock, and create the University Center at MCC to collaborate with AU to offer its existing four-year degree programs.

With the opening of the University Center, MCC joins an exclusive handful of community colleges in Illinois offering students bachelor’s and master’s completion programs in the communities where they already live and work.

Woodstock residents urged to take annual resident survey

If you live in Woodstock, the city wants to hear from you!

Residents have until the end of the day Friday to participate in the city’s annual Resident Survey. The survey offers residents a great opportunity to provide feedback on the community’s needs, as well as share their thoughts on existing city services.

The survey, which can be found here, takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept confidential. Survey participants will be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to win one of eight prizes which include daily passes to the Woodstock Water Works, tickets to a show at Woodstock Opera House, and more.

FIESTA DAYS 75

No, that isn’t a typo – it’s 11 days of fun. And there’s a lot to celebrate – Fiesta Days turns 75 this year.

Thursday’s annual Cask and Barrel whiskey and craft beer tasting (only a few tickets are left!) blossoms into Music Fest Weekend and a Sunday fireworks display, followed by another whole week of fun and games, and of course ending with the Fiesta Days parade.

Seriously, we’d need to publish an entire newsletter just to list all the events, so be sure to check it our for yourself by visiting www.mchenryfiestadays.com, and by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

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What is McH Thrive?

McH Thrive is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents.