Resume McHenry County’s first highlights of 2023

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!

Final Talk and Tour of 2022 focuses on sensible salting

When we salt our roads and sidewalks to keep them clear of snow and ice in winter, the salt just doesn’t disappear when its job is done. The salt has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is our environment.

For its last Talk and Tour presentation of 2022, the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County were joined by the Conservation Foundation Watershed Program and the Langton Group to discuss how people and institutions can minimize the environmental and groundwater impact of salting roads and sidewalks in winter.

Click on the video above or click here to watch it on YouTube, and be on the lookout for more Talk and Tour best management practices presentations in 2023!

Minimum wage increases to $13 an hour

The minimum wage in Illinois increased from $12 an hour to $13 with the new year.

The step increase is the fifth since a 2019 state law created an annual increase to reach $15 an hour by 2025, and $9 an hour for tipped workers.

The hourly wage for workers who earn tips increased Jan. 1 to $7.80 an hour; however, tipped employees must still make the minimum wage of $13 an hour, so employers are required to make up the difference if they fall short.

The hourly wage for workers under age 18 who work 650 hours a year or less increased to $10.50.

Enjoy our award-winning farm markets through the winter

McHenry County’s award-winning Woodstock Farmer’s Market and the Farmers Market+ at the Dole didn’t go hibernating with the winter!

When the warm weather ends in the fall, they retreat indoors to hold their markets every other weekend through April. The Woodstock market convenes at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, while the Dole stays at its namesake mansion and arts center.

Click on the links at the start of this article for dates and times, and be sure to follow them on Facebook!

Donors needed for Keltner memorial blood drive

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is looking for people to honor the memory of McHenry County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jake Keltner by giving the gift of life.

The Jake Keltner Memorial Blue Blood Drive takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday at the Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake. You must reserve your time in advance by clicking here.

Besides honoring a dedicated law enforcement officer, husband and father, your donation helps people in need of blood – local and national supplies dip during the winter and holiday seasons.

Keltner, 35, was executing an arrest warrant as a member of the US Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force when he was killed in the line of duty on March 7, 2019.

Winter activities abound in McHenry County

Just because the holidays are now in our rear-view mirror doesn’t mean that you have to wait for spring to have fun in McHenry County. Far from it.

The fun never stops here – McHenry County offers year-round opportunities for all ages, both outdoors and indoors.

From Woodstock’s Groundhog Days to the Norge Ski Club’s International Winter Tournament, McHenry County is full of unique winter activities, regardless of whether you love the cold or love finding ways to escape it.

Our friends at Naturally McHenry County have compiled a great list of activities, food and shopping to explore – click here to check it out!

Ski or hike to candlelight at Rush Creek Conservation Area

The only thing we can think of that would make our beautiful McHenry County Conservation District hiking trails even more beautiful would be candlelight.

Cross-country skiers of every experience level are welcome to come to Rush Creek Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday!

Admission is free, but skiers must bring their own equipment. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is four inches of snow or more. Not enough snow? Leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike. No pets, please. To learn more, click here.