Road renamed to honor longtime McHenry Co. Clerk Schultz

After nearly 50 years of service under her belt, it's safe to say longtime McHenry County Clerk Katherine Schultz is, at least in the figurative sense, a fixture around the county government center in Woodstock.

As of Tuesday, you could say it literally as well.

In a surprise ceremony recognizing Schultz's five decades in the clerk's office, county leaders Tuesday morning unveiled a sign officially designating the entrance road to the county administration building as "Katherince C. Schultz Way."

"Kathy has been a dedicated employee and public servant for this county," McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler said after the ceremony. "This is just our way of showing our appreciation."

A visibly surprised and grateful Schultz wiped aside tears and dished out hugs after the ceremony while posing for photos in front of the sign with family, friends and co-workers.

"I'm just overwhelmed," she said. "When you're 18 years old and you start a job, you don't ever think you're going to be there 50 years later. I've been very fortunate."

Schultz, first elected clerk in 1990, officially marks her 50th year with the county later this month. She expects to seek a sixth term as clerk in next year's county elections.