School's Open - Drive Carefully!

At the August 5, 2025, Village Board Meeting, Mayor Kownick proclaimed August 18-22, 2025, as School's Open Safety Week.

School's Open Safety Week Proclamation (PDF)

Please obey the direction of school personnel while driving on and around school property. Below are some state laws that apply to motorists that may be driving near schools:

Obedience to Police Officers (includes Crossing Guards) - Motorists must obey direction of police officers and school crossing guards when directing traffic. (625 ILCS 5/11-203)

School Speed Limits - 20 MPH are designated on school days between 6:30 A.M and 4:00 p.m. upon any public throughfare where children pass going to and from school. (625 ILCS 5/11-605(a)(3))

Activated Yellow Flashing Signal - Motorists may only proceed past such a signal with caution. (625 ILCS 5/11-309(2))

Pedestrian in a Crosswalk - Motorists must yield to pedestrian within a crosswalk on the side of street occupied by the pedestrian. Pedestrian may not suddenly leave the curb into the path of a moving vehicle in a manner as to constitute a hazard. A motorist may not pass a motorist stopped and yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. (625 ILCS 5/11-1002(a), (b) and (c))

Pedestrian in a Crosswalk in a School Zone - Same requirements for motorists to yield to a pedestrian but applies in a School Zone between 6:30 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. (625 ILCS 5/11-1002.5(a))

Drivers to Exercise Due Care - Drivers must exercise care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1))

Approaching, Overtaking, and Passing a School Bus - Motorists may not pass a stopped school bus accepting or discharging students with warning sign extended and warning lights activated on streets or private property. Motorist may only proceed after the sign is retracted, lights are extinguished and the bus is in motion (or the school bus driver signals the motorist to proceed). (625 ILCS 5/11-1414(a))

Wireless Telephones - Motorists may not use a wireless telephone at any time driving in a designated School Speed Zone. (625 ILCS 5/12-610.1 (e))

Electronic Communications Devices - Motorists may not operate a motor vehicle while using an electronic communications device. (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2(b))

Please drive carefully at all times, especially when you are likely to encounter school-aged children walking to and from school or walking near schools.

Village Electrical Aggregation Program Renewal

Earlier this summer, the Village Board approved to restart an electric aggregation renewal with a Chicago–based company, MC Squared Energy Services, LLC (MC²). The agreement will serve eligible residents and small business customers with an electric supply price equal to the ComEd rate beginning with the May 2025 ComEd meter read cycle. In addition, this electric aggregation program provides the Village with a civic contribution used to on infrastructure projects in Cary. 

Residents will pay the exact same rate as they were before while still being billed and having their power delivered by ComEd. There is virtually no change to residents. Not all residents will receive the same letter. Similar to last year, residents enrolled in this program will continue to receive a single bill from ComEd each month and there will be no change in rates. There are no added costs. Residents have the opportunity to join or leave the program without an enrollment or switch fee.

Next Steps

Some residents will be receiving letters in the mail next week. These letters are similar to what was received last year. Please keep in mind that in this Price Match Program, different residents may receive different types of letters. For example, residents who own solar panels, currently have a different supplier, or are on the ComEd Hourly program will receive letters stating they are not included in the program.

If you receive an enrollment offer from MC² and want to stay in the program

You do not need to take additional action, MC² will automatically process your enrollment.

If you receive an enrollment offer from MC² and do not want to stay in the program

To opt out, call 1-833-206-3584, or you can call our consultant Adam Hoover at 224-255-5135 or email him at ahoover@nimec.net. Additionally, you can cancel your agreement at any time with no early termination fees.

If you do not receive an enrollment offer from MC² and want to be in the program

You may enroll by visiting www.mc2energyservices.com/special and entering the promo code Cary or by calling 1-833-712-0034, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no enrollment or early termination fees.

If you do not receive an enrollment offer from MC² and do not want to be in the program

You do not need to take additional action.  

Note: No one from MC Squared, ComEd, or the Village will ever visit your home or call you to enroll. If a solicitor claims to be the Village supplier, MC Squared, or ComEd, take their information and report the incident to the ICC at www.icc.illinois.gov/complaints. Never reveal your ComEd account number or allow a solicitor to view your ComEd bill unless you are certain you wish to enroll with that supplier and have read all terms and conditions.

For questions on the Village of Cary’s Municipal Electrical Aggregation Program, you may contact MC² at Cary@mc2energyservices.com or by phone at 833-206-3584. You may also contact our consultant Adam Hoover at ahoover@nimec.net. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.caryillinois.com/696/Municipal-Electric-Aggregation-with-MC-S

Cary Main Street Fest is Only One Month Away!

September 19, 20, and 21

Summer is flying by, which means Cary Main Street Fest is only one month away! If you haven't already, mark your calendars for September 28th and 29th and get ready for a weekend of food, music, games, and more.

We can't wait to see you there!

For details on musical performances, activities, and vendors that will be at Cary Main Street Fest, visit the brand new event webpage:

https://www.carymainstreetfest.com/



Be Part of the Team - Volunteer at Cary Main Street Fest!

September 19, 20, 21

Volunteers make Cary Main Street Fest possible—and we want you on the team! 

Be part of one of the community’s most exciting weekends by signing up for a volunteer slot or two. There's a role for everyone! All volunteers will receive a Cary Main Street Fest T-shirt.

Sign up by clicking the following link:

https://carygroveareachamberofcommerce.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=97426

For details on musical performances, activities, and vendors that will be at Cary Main Street Fest, visit the brand new event webpage:

https://www.carymainstreetfest.com/

Cary Main Street Fest - Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this year's Cary Main Street Fest! Visit the Cary-Grove Chamber website information and sponsorship forms:

https://business.carygrovechamber.com/events/details/cary-main-street-fest-2025-17396

2025 Road and Concrete Program

The 2025 Road and Concrete Program is underway!

Roads included in this year's program:

• E. James Way, First St. to Crest Dr.
• Knoll Dr., full length
• Summit St., full length
• Decker Dr., 50' north of Claire Ln. to Wooded Knoll Dr.
• Asbury Ln., Big Sky Trl. to Merrimac St.
• Three Oaks Rd., 135' west of W. Lake St. to 400' west of Lake Rd.
• Sunset Dr., First St. to Crest Dr.

Concrete repair will take place on the following streets:

• Alida Dr.
• Ardmore Dr.
• Asbury Ln.
• Candlewood Trl.
• Cimarron Dr.
• Conestoga Trl.
• Copper Canyon Trl.
• Cumberland Ct.
• Decker Dr.
• Dunleer Dr.
• E. James Way
• Fairfield Ln.
• Georgetown Dr.
• Hampton St.
• Hickory Ln.
• Knoll Dr.
• Manchester St.
• Montana Dr.
• Montlcair Dr.
• Mulberry Ln.
• Pin Oak Cir.
• Pine Cir.
• Rosewood Ct.
• S. Fox Trails Dr.
• Santa Fe Trl.
• Summit St.
• Sunset Dr.
• Three Oaks Rd.
• W. James Way
• W. Main St.
• Wentworth Cir.
• White Pine Dr.
• Woodbridge Dr.

For more information on the 2025 Road and Concrete Program, visit:

Current Projects & Construction Updates | Cary, IL - Official Website

Only Two Cary Cruise Nights Left!

Don't miss the last two Cary Cruise Night events! The hours for these final events are 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 20th, is Convertible Night and Business Expo.

Downtown W. Main Street will be reserved for car show participants' parking only, starting at 4:30 p.m.

W. Main Street will be closed from Jandus Road to High Road starting at 6:00 p.m.

After 6:00 p.m., show cars will be parked at an angle on the north side of the street, and parallel on the south side of the street.

Show cars can also park in the other downtown lots as designated on the map. 

Attendees can park in the train commuter parking lots.

For more information on the event, contact the Cary-Grove Chamber at 847-639-2800 or visit the Chamber website at: https://www.carygrovechamber.com/

Cary Cruise Night Schedule (PDF)

ZPA Meeting to Discuss Damisch Farm Property Moved to September 11

The Village's Board of Zoning, Planning and Appeals ("ZPA") began review of the petition during the July 17th public hearing. The hearing to review the petition will be continued on September 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Cary Municipal Center. Pending a recommendation from the ZPA regarding the project, the recommendation would be scheduled for a future Village Board meeting for final consideration of the proposed development.

Information on the Damisch Farm Property Redevelopment can be found on the dedicated Damisch Farm Property webpage:

https://www.caryillinois.com/724/Damisch-Farm-Property

This webpage will be continually updated as the Damisch Farm Property project evolves, and includes public meeting information and other related documents. Dates for future opportunities for additional public input will also be posted as those schedules become available.

Maplewood Property Information Webpage

To stay on top of information regarding the Maplewood Property, please visit the Village's dedicated Maplewood Property information webpage. This webpage will be continually updated as the Maplewood project evolves and includes an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, an anticipated timeline of key milestones, summaries of various public meeting discussions and Village Board actions, and other related documents. Dates for future opportunities for additional public input will also be posted as those schedules become available.

The Maplewood Property information webpage can be found at:

https://www.caryillinois.com/715/Maplewood

We also recommend signing up for TextCaster, specifically the Development and Business Updates message group, to receive alerts on important updates regarding this project. You can sign up for TextCaster to receive text messages regarding meetings and other information by visiting the Village's website or clicking on the following link:

https://my.textcaster.com/asa/Default.aspx?ID=276276e9-30e0-4a3e-8724-46766d0db575

It's Not Too Late to Participate in the 2025 Cary Uncovered Summer Passport Challenge!

May 23 - September 21

If you've been thinking about participating in the 2025 Cary Uncovered Summer Passport Challenge, there's still plenty of time and wonderful locations to check out! See below to get started on your adventure enjoying Cary's amazing outdoors!

Uncover the Best of Summer in Cary – One Adventure at a Time!

Looking for a family-friendly way to explore Cary this summer? Say hello to the 2025 Cary Uncovered Summer Passport Challenge, your ultimate guide to outdoor fun, local flavor, and unforgettable memories!

What Is the Cary Uncovered Summer Passport Challenge?

From Memorial Day Weekend through September 21, you’re invited to explore 15 outdoor destinations across Cary – think parks, playgrounds, events, and even delicious dining spots! Complete any 10 stops and earn a FREE prize, which you can pick up at the Cary Main Street Fest, happening September 19–21, 2025, or at the Cary Municipal Center (starting 9/22/2025).

Whether you’re a long-time local or new to town, this is your chance to discover new favorite spots, enjoy the sunshine, and celebrate what makes Cary a summer hot spot.

How to Join the Challenge



Step 1: Download the Naturally McHenry County, IL app by clicking HERE or going to https://qrco.de/bdB4fq.

Step 2: Select the menu icon in the top left corner of the app, then select Challenges.

Step 3: Choose the Cary Uncovered Challenge.

Step 4: Visit 10 of the 15 stops listed. At each location, use the app to check in using the unique codes provided. (You will need to create an account on the app to complete the challenge. Please register with your email address, NOT an Apple ID.)

Step 5: Once you’ve completed your 10 stops, tap “Submit” in the app.

You will receive a confirmation to the email on your account with instructions on how to claim your prize at Main Street Fest or the Cary Municipal Center (starting 9/22/2025)!

For more information, visit the 2025 Cary Uncovered Summer Passport Challenge page on the Naturally McHenry County website by clicking HERE or using the following link:

https://www.naturallymchenrycounty.com/things-to-do/trails/cary-uncovered-challenge/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKcPthleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1ZEFnaWsxTjVYSDVxcndQAR6QBsf7DoANh2o9neJVHPd9IbPmDlATpNLr5eIUyzAN-mC1XLB6RfSYf3uMoQ_aem_Yyp1VekyCtZcpkvpqLJ_cw

Midwest Kayak Rentals at Cary Lake at Rotary Park

Midwest Kayak is once again providing kayak rentals at Cary Lake at Rotary Park!

Rental Items:

• Single Kayaks
• Tandem Kayaks
• Paddle Boards
• Fishing Kayaks

For more information, call 630-835-8496, email, or visit:

midwestkayakrentals@gmail.com

www.midwestkayakrentals.com

https://www.facebook.com/midwestkayakrentals

ComEd Tree Trimming/Vegetation Management

July & August

ComEd will be in the area performing tree trimming/vegetation management during the months of July and August.

The work will be done in ComEd's transmission rights-of-way as highlighted on the maps.

For tree locations on private property, customers will be notified by ComEd.

CASA Information Sessions

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an everyday citizen, specially trained to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. These amazing volunteers are appointed by the Juvenile Court Judge to children, aged birth - 21 years, to act as the eyes and ears of the judge and the voice of the child.

An Advocate develops a relationship with the child by visiting twice a month, gathers information, and facilitates partnerships between key people in the child’s life. These volunteers speak for the child through a court report to ensure the child’s needs are met. The ultimate goal of a CASA is to help ensure every child has a safe, loving, forever home through reunification or adoption.

To learn more about volunteering with CASA, see the information below or visit https://casamchenrycounty.org/.

• Saturday, August 30 | 9:30 AM | Zoom (Register Here)

Cary Lake at Rotary Park Closed on Mondays for the Summer Season

Cary Lake at Rotary Park will be closed on Mondays for the summer season.

This closure will accommodate weekly maintenance work that will control invasive species and promote the growth and health of native vegetation.

The Village thanks you for your cooperation!

Rotary Club of Cary-Grove Summer Farmers Market

In support of local farmers and vendors, the Rotary Club of Cary-Grove will be hosting this year's Farmer's Market during the summer months, beginning in June and running through September.

This event will be held from 9:00AM-1:00PM every Sunday on W. Main Street in the downtown area. A wide variety of vendors will be onsite with different types of items available for purchase.

Downtown W. Main Street will be reserved for Farmer's Market vendor parking only. Attendees may park in the nearby Metra commuter lots.

W. Main Street will be closed from Jandus Road to High Road starting at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the event. Detour signs will be posted for motorists.

McHenry County Lead and Healthy Homes Program

McHenry County’s Department of Planning and Development – Community Development Division is now accepting online applications for the County’s Lead and Healthy Homes program. Program funding was granted from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The McHenry County Lead and Healthy Homes Program’s mission is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning throughout our county. The County is committed to making lead-safe homes available to all children ages six (6) and under in the county by addressing health hazards where children are or can be present.

Rental property tenants may apply; however, priority will be given to qualifying homeowners who are under 80% area median income (AMI) as listed under Federal guidelines.

For more information, visit the McHenry County Lead and Healthy Homes Program webpage at:

https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/planning-development/community-development/lead-safe-homes.

For questions, please email:

McHenryCountyComDev@mchenrycountyil.gov

English Flyer (PDF)

Spanish Flyer (PDF)

Downtown Depot Plaza Enhancements

Work on the Downtown Depot Plaza enhancements began on Monday, April 7th, and is estimated to be completed in late summer. During this time, there may be some minor disruptions to traffic as construction vehicles access the construction site. There are no scheduled road closures at this time. Vehicular and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the downtown area. Construction progress thus far includes demolition work, relocation of the pump house structure, and installation of seat wall foundations, concrete planter curb, a fireplace foundation, light pole foundations, electrical conduit, and underground utilities.

McHenry County Housing Authority Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The McHenry County Housing Authority (MCHA) administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and will begin accepting applications for winter heating assistance beginning October 1, 2024.

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low-income families. A family receives a one-time, lump-sum payment toward energy bills, as funding allows.

Request an appointment by calling the McHenry County Housing Authority office at 815-338-7752.

Cary Caps are Back!

Did you miss out the first time around when Cary caps were available for purchase? The Village has received a new supply of this popular item, now available for purchase at the Cary Municipal Center for $20! (Cash or check only.)

The Cary Municipal Center hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Cary Municipal Center is located at 755 Georgetown Drive.

What's On The Agenda

The regularly scheduled Village Board meeting will take place next Tuesday, August 19, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The Village Board agenda packet can be found by clicking on the following link:

08.19.2025 Village Board Meeting Packet

Can't make the meeting? Check out the Village's YouTube page.

Village Board meeting live stream:

https://youtube.com/live/MljthfKLY_Y?feature=share

The Committee of the Whole meeting has been canceled.