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MY HUNTLEY NEWS

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April 15, 2021

News

What the CDC and FDA have to say about the pause on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

MCHENRY COUNTY - An announcement was made by the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) on April 13, that they will be replacing all future J&J clinics with either Moderna or Pfizer until further notice.

This was in response to a recommendation issued that same day by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning of six women, ages 18 to 48, having developed a rare and severe type of blood clot six to 13 days after having been vaccinated with the J&J (Janssen) vaccine.

Consolidated election winners announced

MCHENRY COUNTY -  McHenry County officials responded to anomalies having occurred in the April 6 consolidated election results, stating some races were misreported. After retabulating results, official winners can be announced. Mail-in ballots could take up to 14 days to be received and counted, at which point the winners will be official.

Below are the results for who will take office as the Village President in Huntley, sit on the Huntley Board of Trustees, and serve on the District 158 (D158) Board of Education.

MCDH to expand vaccine eligibility on April 12

WOODSTOCK — The McHenry County Department of Health is announcing McHenry County residents who are 16 and older will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine at MCDH clinics beginning Monday, April 12.

A parent or guardian must accompany the minor to the first and second dose appointment and sign a consent form during both visits. Additionally, minors must present proof of birth date at the time of their appointment.

The extended eligibility is in line with State of Illinois’ vaccination plan that will open COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all residents on Monday.

McHenry County’s first recreational cannabis dispensary now opened for business

MCHENRY COUNTY - Locals may have taken notice of a new business occupying the building formally the location of the Chen’s Chinese Cuisine restaurant located at 270 N. Randall Road in Lake in the Hills.

The new business simply named RISE, with its covered windows and security personnel standing near the entryway, would give no indication from outer appearances alone, into what it is this business specializes in. While RISE may be new to the McHenry County area, it’s no stranger to the adult use cannabis industry, as it operates medical and recreational dispensaries in seven different states.

UPDATE: New projected election results for McHenry and Kane Counties

HUNTLEY - Below are the latest projected election results from McHenry and Kane Counties. Please note that previous results posted on MHN included Kane County only. These results are only projections, and official results will be posted when available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Huntley Mayor Chuck Sass is projected winner of mayoral race

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BREAKING: Freeman Road project officially announced as an Amazon Receiving Center

HUNTLEY - An official statement was finally made regarding the identity of the development on the property located at 41W368 Freeman Road. The project referred to as “Project Pumpkin” by the Village of Huntley was annexed by Venture One Acquisitions though it was not known at the time, what company would be occupying the 630,000 square foot distribution center.

The Village of Huntley in cooperation with Amazon, released a statement detailing how the receive center is slated to open sometime in 2022, creating more than 1,000 new, full-time jobs with a starting wage of $15 an hour.

New Huntley Library room designs have a focus on community space

HUNTLEY - The Huntley Area Library renovations will include some new features for community-focused activities. The new program room is large enough to seat 150 people with dividers available to segment the space into three event rooms. Each space has audio throughout and video screens, enabling every guest to be able to hear and see presentations and/or programs.

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UPDATE: Huntley resident dies after ultralight aircraft crashes

HUNTLEY - Deputy Chief Michael Klunk of the Huntley Police Department, issued a press release detailing an ultralight accident that occurred at approximately 6:54 p.m. on Saturday, April 3.

According to the statement issued by Klunk, the police department alongside the Huntley Fire Protection District responded to the scene where the lightweight aircraft had crashed. The location of the accident was around the area of Powers Road and Samantha Lane, in an open field behind the Culver’s restaurant located at 12950 S Illinois Route 47.

A sneak peek into the Huntley Area Public Library’s new building

HUNTLEY - Eager residents have probably kept up to date with each new photo the Huntley Area Public Library (HAPL) posts on their Facebook page regarding the new additions to the library. As of March 15, the library has been closed in order to prepare the old building for phase two which will involve some renovations.

The new building that will be opening to the public on April 26, added an additional 17,000 square feet to the already existing 15,000 square feet.

MCDH to open second indoor COVID-19 vaccination site

WOODSTOCK — The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is announcing that a second COVID-19 vaccination clinic will open in Crystal Lake on Wednesday, April 7.

The newest site, located at the Willow Creek Community Church, 100 S. Main Street in Crystal Lake, will provide the COVID-19 vaccine to McHenry County residents or those who work at a McHenry County business.

All MCDH clinics are by appointment only and are open to those who are eligible to receive their vaccine. Photo identification is required and those who are a resident of another county but work in McHenry County must show proof of their employment.

D158 middle and high school students to return to full day in-person learning

HUNTLEY - It was announced at the March 18 District 158 (D158) Board of Education meeting that middle and high school students currently in the hybrid model of learning, would be making a full transition to in-person learning five days a week starting on April 5.

This was in response to the updates in guidelines the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced regarding the recommended physical distance that can be maintained for in-person learning.

District 158’s Board of Education candidates discuss balancing a quality education while responding to local taxpayer burden

My Huntley News asked the 10 District 158 Board of Education candidates how they would confront local taxpayer burden, but still allow students in the district to receive a quality education. Their responses were as follows:

The newcomers

Dana Dalton-Wiley:

“I think as a district we just have to look inward and ask, ‘How can we be leaner?’ I know we have some excellent staff at the [administrative] level, but we’re very top heavy…So, can we look inward at some of our administrative salaries and say maybe we can cut there?

District 158 Board of Education candidates give their take on the tax levy passed in December

Tax levies are a touchy subject for residents especially considering the current pandemic. Seeing as the District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE) passed a tax levy this past December, My Huntley News asked the 10 candidates currently running for a spot on the BOE what their thoughts on the levy were. Their answers were as follows:

The newcomers

Dana Dalton-Wiley:

“I was shocked that the levy passed. They have passed the levy almost every year for the last 10 years.

A new challenger emerges in the race for Huntley Village President

HUNTLEY - Residents may be aware that consolidated elections will be taking place on April 6 to elect the individual who will be Huntley’s Village President (or mayor as the position is sometimes referred to). Typically, since 2001, the choice has been straight forward as there has been no opposition running against current Village President Chuck Sass.

However, this year, the tables have turned a bit as Huntley Trustee Tim Hoeft, has decided to enter the race against Sass for the Village President position.

Huntley School District 158 Board of Education Candidates answer questions on various, relevant topics

HUNTLEY - The April 6 consolidated elections are quickly approaching, meaning it is time to elect or reelect the four candidates that will serve as a member on the Huntley School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE). Early voting at the Huntley Park District began March 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With a total of 10 candidates running this year, My Huntley News reached out to each candidate to get insight on questions ranging from their stances on student achievement to major issues that need to be addressed in the school district.

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital receives an excellence in nursing designation

HUNTLEY - Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital has received an excellence in nursing designation called Magnet Recognition.  The American Nurses Credentialing Center awards this designation infrequently.  As the latest to receive this highest honor for professional nursing practice, Northwestern Medicine Huntley  Hospital becomes one of only eight percent of hospitals across the nation to achieve this recognition.

Dr. Kumar Nathan Kumar, president of Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, said the Magnet recognition is a reflection of a solid commitment to each patient.

“Our nurses collaborate with other members of our health care team to create personalized care plans that are unique to every individual,” Kumar said.

MCDH to rollout new vaccine scheduling process to all Phase 1b

WOODSTOCK — The McHenry County Department of Health is announcing a new process for scheduling appointments to get COVID-19 vaccine.

In response to the state’s recent announcement expanding Phase 1b eligibility, MCDH is opening appointments to all Phase 1b and Phase 1b Part 2. However, eligibility does not necessarily mean immediate access to a vaccination appointment. It will take time to vaccinate the remaining eligible population in the county and appointments will be available based on vaccine allotments received.

To assist residents in scheduling their vaccine appointment, MCDH is now using the State of Illinois’ COVID-19 Vaccine Registration page at https://covidvaccination.dph.illinois.gov/.

First case of COVID-19 U.K. variant identified in McHenry County

WOODSTOCK — The McHenry County Department of Health is announcing that it has identified its first case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7, known as the U.K. variant, in McHenry County.

A case investigation is ongoing, but the person who tested positive for the variant does not have a history of international travel.

The B.1.1.7 variant was first identified in the United Kingdom and has already been reported in other Northern Illinois counties, including Cook, DuPage, Lake and Lee.

Back to Baseball for the Kane County Cougars

KANE COUNTY - The upcoming season is already a success though not one baseball player with the Kane County Cougars has stepped into the batter’s box at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva.

On May 18, the Cougars will begin a three-game homestand against the Chicago Dogs.  The announcement of the first home game of 2021 brings back the reality of Cougars baseball and offers another activity in helping us return to normalcy.

The Kane County Cougars have not played a game since September 2019.  

Meet the Village of Huntley Trustee candidates

Consolidated elections for the three seats on the Village of Huntley Board of Trustees, are coming up on April 6. However, early voting at the Huntley Park District is expected to begin on Monday, March 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

My Huntley News asked the five trustee candidates a few questions ranging from topics in economic development to finances in the Village of Huntley. Their answers are as follows:

Burt Natkins:

What can you tell residents about your background?

McHenry County to Hold Second Virtual Town Hall Meeting Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine

WOODSTOCK, Ill. – McHenry County officials and the McHenry County Department of Health will hold another virtual town hall meeting for citizens to get their questions answered about the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and the different paths available to receive it.

The second virtual meeting will be streamed on Facebook Live from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, and will once again feature County Board Chairman Mike Buehler, Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson, Director of Nursing Susan Karras, and Public Health and Community Services Committee Chairwoman Lori Parrish.

Take Me Away

This week I was gifted with bath bombs, pretty little circles in springlike colors, smelling of citrus and lavender. It made me wonder about the last time I took a bath rather than a shower, and judging by the fact that I can’t remember, I can deduce it’s been a good long time. In the coming week, I’ll schedule time for a bath, filling the tub with water as hot as I can stand it, and let the aroma of orange and lemon hang on the steamy air in my tiny bathroom.

Huntley Speaks Out

What do you think about the potential to receive a third stimulus check?

(Want to share your thoughts? Leave them in the comments below.)

Jen Dixon, Algonquin: “Other [countries] take care of their citizens. I wish ours would take care of theirs. People need it. Families are struggling.”

Kurt Wuckert Jr., Algonquin: “I hope not. Purchasing power is diminishing, and our kids are going to live through a currency revaluation, and it’s not going to be pretty.”

Valerie Dasakis: “A lot of people that have lost [their] jobs, that have honestly lost their jobs and can’t find another one due to medical, mental, physical deserve it…People that are just sitting at home doing nothing because they’re making more off of unemployment than they would if they went back to work, don’t deserve anything.”