Fox Valley briefs

Rakow project design approved

The McHenry County Division of Transportation has received design approval for the Rakow Road improvement project between Route 31 and Ackman Road. Since 2006, the county has been studying Rakow Road for capacity and safety improvements. The idea is to improve traffic flow in Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills and the Lake in the Hills Airport. Rakow now handles more than 30,000 vehicles a day. By 2030, it's expected to reach 66,000 a day. The road will be widened to three lanes in each direction between Ackman Road and Pyott Road and two lanes in each direction between Pyott and Route 31. Turn lanes will be added at all intersections and a bicycle/pedestrian bridge will extend the Prairie Trail over Rakow Road just east of Pyott Road. The project could begin in 2010. For details, call Adam Lehmann at (815)334-0309.

Volunteers needed for vets

The Veterans Assistance Commission is looking for adult volunteers to assist with its Veterans Transportation Program. Morning shift volunteers will pick up veterans at their McHenry County homes and transport them to a VAC bus stop either in Woodstock, McHenry, or Crystal Lake. The buses then transport Vets to the North Chicago VA Medical Center. Afternoon shift volunteers will pick up returning veterans from the bus stops and drive them back to their homes. Volunteers must possess a valid drivers' license. Training and Driver Safety classes will be provided. For an application and to register for training, please stop in at the Veterans Assistance Commission office at: McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Phone: (815) 334-4229.