Early voting is now open for local April 1 elections

Early voting is now open for April 1 election

Voters who are registered in McHenry County can cast their ballot at any of the early voting sites, regardless of where in the county they live – you can find a complete list of locations and hours of operation by clicking here.

While presidential and midterm elections garner much attention, odd-year elections are very important – voters on April 1 will choose their representatives on city councils and village boards, school boards, township offices, park districts, library districts, community college board trustees and fire protection districts.

Click here to learn more about the April 1 election and how to cast your ballot.

Metra holding open house this afternoon on Woodstock rail yard

The new yard would consolidate overnight storage from the current Barrington and Crystal Lake yards into a larger, modernized layover facility. It would generate operational cost savings, support expanded rail service and improve efficiency. Metra is seeking input from the public and stakeholders within the project area and county on the preferred location.

If you can’t make the open house, Metra is accepting public comment through April 18 – click here to learn more about the project.

Communities are invited to apply for local planning assistance

Over the past decade, CMAP and the RTA have partnered to help support governments across northern Illinois as they continue to collaborate and innovate. While both agencies have separate technical assistance programs, they offer the same online application process.

Click here to learn more and to apply – the deadline is Friday, April 4.

Local businesses enthusiastically join Blood Mary Trail

The McHenry County Bloody Mary Trail has a whopping 17 participating establishments – in case you were curious, our friends at Naturally McHenry County have whipped up a handy graphic you can click to expand.

Naturally McHenry County‘s latest trail showcasing our awesome local businesses allows you to explore all the creative twists on the iconic drink that our local bars and restaurants have to offer.

To participate, download the Naturally McHenry County App, check in with each visit, and then receive a bottle of locally made artisan hot sauce when you’ve visited each stop. Click here to learn more and download the Naturally app.

To check out the Craft Beverage Trail, Coffee and Tea Trail, and the Tacos Tamales and Tortas Trail, click here.

Deadline approaching for DCEO apprenticeship program grant

The Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program supports the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, or efforts by employers to create them, increasing career opportunities in health care, information technology, finance and business, architecture and engineering, creative industries, and the public sector.

Entities can apply for grants between $200,000 and $1 million, and applications will be accepted through the end of the day Friday. Click here to view and apply for the grant.

Volo Museum offers spring break staycation

Gold passes offer all-day admission to Volo Museum and the Jurassic Gardens dinosaur exhibit. Don’t worry if you can’t cram all that into one day – gold passes are good for the following consecutive day as well.

All kids 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian. Adult admission can be purchased online at regular price by clicking here.

If you like what you see, you can help us reach more McHenry County residents and businesses by sharing it!

Follow Us On Social Media

Staying connected and informed is more important now than ever! Follow McHenry County on social media to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

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.