Information you’ll want to read about McHenry County!

New agritourism insurance tax credit opens today

McHenry County wouldn’t be the land of “wonderful places and wide-open spaces” without the agritourism businesses that help make up the backbone of the county’s identity.

A new tax credit through the Illinois Department of Agriculture has been created to help give them a financial hand.

The Agritourism Liability Insurance Tax Credit program entitles individuals and entities who operate agritourism businesses in Illinois during 2022 and 2023 to apply for a tax credit equal to 100% of the liability insurance premiums paid during the tax year or $1,000, whichever is less.

The grant portal opened today, and qualifying businesses have until Feb. 28, 2023 to apply. To learn more and to apply, click here.

State announces $3M for local tourism promotion

Illinois has made $3 million available to help fund local tourism promotion efforts.

The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program provides funding for tourism promotional efforts by local governments, nonprofits, and promotional groups such as convention and visitors’ bureaus.

The grant, administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will match local funds spent to promote destinations, attractions and events through marketing such as promotional materials, media production, billboards and other qualifying expenses.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 12, and you can find the application portal by clicking here.

Animal Control begins monthly pet microchip clinics

The McHenry County Department of Health has begun holding monthly low-cost microchip clinics to help ensure that lost dogs and cats can find their way home.

The clinics will be held on the first Saturday of each month, starting with a drive-thru event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 5, at the McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center, 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake. Appointments must be made in advance by calling 815-459-6222.

The cost is $10 per pet, cash only. Senior citizens receive a discounted rate of $5 per pet, and in honor of Veterans Day, this event will be free for McHenry County veterans with proof of eligibility.

All pets over 4 months old must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations to receive a chip.

McHenry County Moves 2050 engagement comments released

The timing of the 12th annual McHenry County College Manufacturing McHenry County asked the public to comment on its long-range transportation plan, and you all came through!

The McHenry County Division of Transportation received hundreds of comments regarding the draft plan during its most recent engagement survey.

Visit the plan’s website at mchenrycountymoves2050.com to read this new round of feedback – and to learn more about the plan.

The plan under development examines all the ways people and goods move in our region. The DOT’s goal is to create an enhanced vision for transportation in our area, and identify new solutions that will provide a wide range of safe, equitable, sustainable, and convenient travel choices in and across the county.

Changes to county building codes put on 30-day review

Minor updates to McHenry County’s building and residential codes for unincorporated areas are up for 30-day review.

McHenry County is in the process of adopting the most recent versions of the International Building Code, the International Residential Code and other established construction codes, with minor amendments to fit with the county’s Unified Development Ordinance and the Stormwater Management Ordinance.

The County Board put the proposed ordinance changes on 30-day review at its Oct. 18 meeting; they can be found by clicking here. Many of the codes date back to 2015 or earlier, and will be replaced by the updated 2021 versions.

Click here to learn how to comment on the changes ahead of the County Board’s voting meeting Nov. 15.

Lake in the Hills Punkin Chunkin set for this Saturday

With Halloween over, are you looking for a fun way to get rid of your pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns?

Grab your gourds and come out this Saturday to the Lake in the Hills Punkin Chunkin event from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road. Fun activities for all ages will be available as you wait to load up your pumpkin and see how far it will fly!

On-site registration begins at 12:45 p.m., and walk-ups welcome. Tickets cost $5 for Lake in the Hills residents or $7 for non-residents. You can save $2 by pre-registering by tomorrow – click here to buy tickets.