Found this in my Environmental Defenders of McHenry County newsletter that arrived today:
Let’s Talk Data Centers: A McHenry County Community Conversation
Hosted by Together We Stand McHenry County
Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
McHenry County College – Luecht Auditorium
8900 Northwest Highway 14, Building B, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
McHenry County runs entirely on groundwater. Every well, every farm, every household tap in our county depends on aquifers that take years to recharge. Before discussions about large-scale industrial development in our area begin, our community deserves to understand exactly what could be at stake.
Featuring Presentations:
Scott Kuykendall – Water Resources Specialist, McHenry County Planning and Development
Scott will provide detailed information about sources of water in Illinois, how data centers use water, and opportunities to mitigate risk
Jim Chilson – Communications Director, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
Jim will address electricity demand, infrastructure, and potential implications for utility customers
Alison Lindburg, Director of Sustainability for the City of Aurora
Alison will discuss the city’s experience regulating data centers after a 180-day moratorium on new development
This program is not intended to be a referendum on AI technologies or address a proposed facility. It is designed to provide guests with practical information about water use, energy demands, and regulatory options relating to the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers in our region.
Each of the presentations will provide attendees with a solid foundation of understanding about data centers to help them shape development in their communities.
Admission: FREE and open to all McHenry County residents
I must admit that I havenever heard of Together We Stand McHenry County.
It’s website says it is “a 501(c)(4) that promotes social welfare & civic engagement.
“Organizer of many local inclusive Community Events as well as facilitating food drives, clothing drives, etc that assist those living in our community.”
AI says a 501(c)4 can do the following
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- Lobbying Freedom: Allowed unlimited legislative lobbying as long as it germane to the organization’s social welfare mission. [1, 2]
- Political Campaigns: Can participate in political campaign intervention (supporting or opposing candidates), provided it is not the primary activity. [1, 2]
The group’s address is reported to be 824 Burr Oak Circle, Cary, IL.
Ownership of the property, according to county records is Winston Darling.
Deanna “Dee” Darling is running for District 1 County Boiard as a Democrat.
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I find it interesting that Battery Farms, one of which is seeking approval to be sited in Pririe Grove has no place in the program, while no word of locating a data center in McHenry County has surfaced.
