IDNR public meeting:

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a meeting Oct. 20 to discuss the annual winter drawdown on the Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes. The public meeting is at 6 p.m. at the conference center of McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. The IDNR uses the Stratton Lock and Dam in McHenry to reduce the water level of the Chain for spring flood storage, and to minimize ice dams along the Fox River in winter. In the past, homeowners have complained about the starting times of the drawdown among other issues. The meeting is to address the needs of homeowners and to develop the best solutions for drawing down the Chain. For information, visit the IDNR website at dnr.state.il.us.