How many more weeks do we have of winter? Check out Woodstock’s Ground Hog celebrations this week and you’ll know.

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!

Early spring or six more weeks of winter? Only Woodstock Willie knows!

Tomorrow, it begins – a five-day celebration of a prognosticating rodent whose holiday, and a namesake comedy movie, put Woodstock on the map.

Woodstock Groundhog Days starts tomorrow afternoon with Groundhog Story time and the Welcoming of the Groundhog. The prognostication starts at 7 a.m. Thursday on Woodstock Square; while skies will be clear, the temperature will be in the teens, so to quote the radio announcer that the hapless Phil Connors woke up to every morning, don’t forget your booties, ’cause it’s cold out there.

Woodstock Willie’s forecast is the start of a weekend of events for the entire family honoring the film and its lasting cultural impact. You can find the list of events on the Woodstock Groundhog Days website, its Facebook page, or on the Events calendar of our friends at Naturally McHenry County.

People in Need Forum a success

Once again, the annual People in Need Forum held at McHenry County College was a smashing success!

More than 500 people came to MCC on Saturday to hear from more than 100 participating local agencies regarding the services they offer to people needing assistance.

It was nice having everyone back together – the 2021 and 2022 forums were held virtually on account of COVID.

No worries if you missed it – if you or someone you know needs help, you can download a directory of McHenry County services, in English and Spanish, by clicking here.

CMAP seeing projects for federal funding

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has opened funding applications for projects that improve transit, bicycle facilities, freight and traffic movement and safety, fix bridges, reconstruct roads, and invest in alternative fuel vehicles and equipment.

Funding will be distributed through federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement, Carbon Reduction, Surface Transportation, and Local Transportation Alternatives program funding.

Information and application materials are available by clicking here; the application deadline is March 10.

Region 1 Planning Council earns important federal designation

After 12 years of work, the Region 1 Planning Council to which McHenry County belongs has been designated as an official economic development district by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

This critical designation better positions the council, which covers McHenry, Boone and Winnebago counties, to receive federal economic funding for projects.

With the designation official, R1 will focus its economic development efforts on infrastructure investment and job creation within the region’s three traditional industry clusters – aerospace, automotive production and food processing – while growing the emerging logistics and distribution industry cluster. The new status will help the three-county region compete for private investment and jobs tied to these industries.

MCOG prioritizes its transportation and legislative wants for the year

Congratulations to the McHenry County Council of Governments for finalizing its Legislative and Transportation Priorities list for 2023.

Besides representatives from many county municipalities, last week’s meeting drew members of the McHenry County Board in force to show their support. The council is a network of local governments which upholds and advocates for effective local government, and seeks solutions to regional issues.

A thank you is also due to Kaitlin Wright of Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for her presentation on new legislation pertaining to lead pipes.

Chili Open Golf Classic returns to Crystal Lake

After several weeks of winter festivals being postponed for a lack of winter weather, let’s hope that the return of bone-chilling, soul-numbing cold bodes well for the annual Chili Open Golf Classic.

The annual golf tournament, in its 53rd year, returns to Crystal Lake Main Beach and the (hopefully) frozen lake on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Foursomes tee off every six minutes starting at 8 a.m., and there’s music, games, warming stations, and of course chili – to stave off the chill.

The registration fee is $125 per four-person golf team, and registration ends on Feb. 17. Click here to register, with the code 230412.