McHenry Times

Thank you to everyone who attended the senior fair co-hosted by Senator Craig Wilcox and Senator DeWitte in Crystal Lake last week. The event exceeded expectations, with over 200 seniors participating to meet vendors, receive flu shots, and take advantage of various services.

Senator Wilcox is preparing for two more community outreach events this year, known as IPASS on Demand. A mobile team from the Tollway will be present at Algonquin Township Offices on Monday, October 28, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at McHenry City Hall on Monday, November 4, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. At these events, residents can switch their plastic IPASS transponders for new sticker technology used by the Tollway. Plastic transponders remain valid until their expiration date but switching locally helps avoid long DMV lines.

For more information about these events, visit the Events page on Senator Wilcox's website.

In legal news, the federal government has joined a lawsuit challenging Illinois' new law affecting bank transaction fees. The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency supports efforts to block the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. This law aims to ban banks from charging interchange fees on taxes and tips. Critics argue it could complicate transactions for retailers and consumers by requiring separate swipes for purchases and sales tax. Federal officials believe it interferes with their regulatory authority and threatens banking safety by disrupting fee structures that cover transaction costs and prevent fraud.

Supporters of the law claim banks can manage separating taxes and tips without issue. The case will be argued in court on October 30th.

With Halloween approaching, safety remains a priority for trick-or-treating activities. It is advised to adhere to local designated hours and use sidewalks to avoid accidents. Flashlights should be carried by adults for visibility at night. Check candy before consumption for safety reasons.

Additional Halloween safety tips include choosing flame-resistant costumes or using polyester/nylon materials; wearing bright or reflective clothing; opting for makeup instead of masks; testing makeup ahead of time; avoiding non-prescription decorative lenses; inspecting treats at home; steering clear of unwrapped items or homemade treats due to allergen risks; removing choking hazards like gum or hard candies from young children's collections.

As cooler weather arrives, respiratory virus season begins in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) updated its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard with real-time data on illness trends statewide, including hospital visits and outbreak reports.

Health officials urge staying home when experiencing symptoms such as coughing or fever unless medical care is necessary.

For more information about respiratory illnesses or accessing the dashboard, visit IDPH’s website.