I only have black and white versions, but here are the two finalists for a new McHenry County seal.

I’m told they are on the agenda of Tina Hills’ next Management Services Committee of the McHenry County Board.

I can’t wait to see Heck of a Guy blogger Allan Showalter’s take on these.

And, as I look at it, I have a couple of quick thoughts.

I wonder why there is not a railroad track running from the lower right hand corner to the upper left hand corner.

That train track probably has more significance than the 17 stars representing the geographic cutting up of McHenry County into townships. (A line with 17 stars could still cut across the middle of the seal.)

And, why do agricultural symbols represent half of the surface of the seal?

Agriculture is certainly an important part of the county’s history, but half seems a bit excessive. One man, one vote went into effort for county board members in 1972.

How about a little representation of the rest of the population?

Upon more reflection, why does anyone think the county building architecturally significant? The old courthouse might make better sense. With its dome, at least people could recognize it.

Maybe some tract housing would be more representative of McHenry County.

I guess I should be grateful that a baseball stadium has not been suggested.

Failing that, why not go with my suggestion.

All that needs changing is the word “Illinois” to “McHenry County.”

OK. Maybe some would want to put a flashing camera in one of the back corners.

When I was last at the County Administrative Building, I took another photo of the county flag.

This one isn’t tattered.

You can enlarge all of the images by clicking on them.