|
Dear Neighbors,
A few months ago we
switched to a different electronic newsletter system, and I'm sorry it has taken
me so long to get up to speed. But just in time for spring flowers and
construction, the newsletter is back. There are a number of road projects
around the county as we work to improve your daily drives of commuting,
shopping and family life.
The warm weather seems
to finally be here, so be sure to check out all the activities in the Forest
Preserves. Take a nice day and try some place new--but be sure to check
for trail closures first, especially if you are going to be near the Des
Plaines River. The Forest Preserve proposed budget can be found online at www.lcfpd.org/assets/1/28/Proposed_Budget_FY2015-16.pdf.
The warm weather can
also bring dangerous conditions. Take some time and learn how you and
your family can prepare for severe weather.
Please feel free to
contact me about any of the items in this newsletter or anything else of
concern. As always, I am happy to come and talk with your homeowner's
association, scout, school or religious organization or any other group.
Sincerely,
Ann
Ann Maine, District 21
President, Lake County
Forest Preserve District
847-857-1732
In this newsletter you can find information on:
- Get Your Property Tax Bill Questions Answered
- Prepare for Severe Weather with County Resources
- Check First Before Visiting the Forest Preserves Trails
- Lake County announces 2015 Construction Program
- Your Rx for Health: A Walk in the Park
- Residents are Invited to Submit Comments to Improve Local Government
 Property tax bills
will arrive in mailboxes the first week of May. Tax bills are for the 2014 tax
year and are due in two equal installments (June 3 and Sept. 3). Visit the Treasurer’s Office website for information on how
to make a payment. We
have a number of transparency tools to help you understand your tax bill. Get answers to some frequently asked questions, and watch our FAQ’s video. You can also view current and
previous bills. Keep
in mind, while you send your payment to Lake County, the County only keeps a
small portion (about 7%), and the rest is distributed to many other taxing
districts. Check out our budget portal to learn more.
|
An extremely dangerous tornado caused widespread
damage in northwest Illinois this month. Be ready before the next storm
strikes. The majority of Illinois tornadoes have occurred between April 1 and
June 30. Take steps now to make sure you
and your family are prepared for severe weather, like knowing the safest place
to shelter in your home, having an emergency kit, and a family communication
plan. Visit the
State of Illinois Emergency Management Agency and visit Alert Lake County
for live-saving information. |
|
 |
Take an online quiz to see how much you know about
weather alert radios and get a chance to win one. The “Weather Alert Radios
Save Lives” contest is available on the Ready Illinois’ website and will run through May 22. A total of 100 weather alert radios
will be awarded to participants who register after reading information about
the radios and complete a five-question quiz. Take
the Quiz!
 |
|
As the weather begins to warm up and flowers begin to bloom, come see
all the outdoor fun that Lake County communities have to offer. Discover a
farmer’s market, a trail to go hiking or biking or a new event to bring the
family to make some memories by viewing Visit Lake County’s spring page and Calendar of
Events. Learn more about family fun and
things to do this spring in Lake County by checking out www.lakecountylife.org and this video. |
 The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), the Stormwater
Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserves will hold a compost bin
and rain barrel sale and native plant sale. The compost bin and rain barrel
sale will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9. The native plant sale will run from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10. Both events will take
place at Independence Grove Forest Preserve’s North Bay Pavilion, 16400 W.
Route 137, Libertyville. Rain barrels cost $60, and compost bins cost $50. Rain
barrels, compost bins, and accessories will be sold on Saturday only. More
details
|
 |
|
Join an Early Morning Free Bird Walk
May is the month for songbirds. Join skilled birders on
these free bird walks. All ages are invited. Bring binoculars. All walks begin
at 7 a.m.
May 2, 9, 10, 12, 16, 20 at Ryerson Woods,
21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods
May 3 at Old School Forest Preserve trails lot, 28285 St.
Mary's Road, Mettawa
May 17 at Wright Woods, 24830 St. Mary's Road, Mettawa
May 23, Rollins Savanna, 20160 W. Washington St., Grayslake |
 A Picture is Worth a Thousand Yards: Sports Photography of Walter Payton
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl victory with photography by some of the nation's top sports photographers, featuring some of the best images of Walter Payton on and off the field. The exhibition is on display now at the Lake County Discovery Museum.
Exploring Lake County History through the Stories of Children
Have you ever wondered what life was like for children in the past? Open at the Lake County Discovery Museum, Growing Up in Lake County shares the everyday and extraordinary stories of children who grew up in the county. Try your hand at living and working on a pioneer homestead. Discover what life was like for a young drummer boy in the Civil War. Learn about the first African-American family to settle in the county. Attend school in a one-room schoolhouse and play as children did over 100 years ago. Through real artifacts, historical accounts and hands-on experiences, children connect the stories of the past to their own lives in this new exhibition for families.
|
 Connect with the Forest Preserves!
|
Lake
County recently submitted its ideas to the State task force charged with
streamlining local governments, which included a list of costly mandates that
could save Lake County more than $2 million annually and millions more in
ongoing savings. Now, residents can submit their ideas on ways to consolidate,
streamline or eliminate duplicative governmental bodies, school districts and
taxing authorities and ideas on ways to replace, revise, or repeal unfunded
mandates placed on local governments and school districts. Submit your comments
on
this website. The ideas will be compiled and reported to the Local
Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandates Task Force, and a summary of
public comments will be included in the task force’s final report to the
governor and General Assembly. Read Lake County’s memo
to the governor.
At a recent economic meeting attended by more
than 500 business and government leaders, expert economists said Lake County
has a positive economic outlook and we’re positioned for continued
economic success. In this video, hear from local leaders on how we are
strategically working with our public and private partners to ensure Lake
County remains a prosperous location in which to do business. Watch video. |
|
 |
In the past five years, deaths as a result of opiate overdoses have doubled
in Lake County. Due to decreased cost and increased accessibility, heroin use
has become a public health concern that impacts all Lake County residents. To learn more,
visit the Lake County Opioid Initiative website
or
their Facebook page. |
|
 |
Kids
Give Names to New K-9s
Meet
the newest members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office – “Duke,” “Diesel,” and
“Dax.” These dogs have new names thanks
to several Lake County middle school students who participated in the Rookie
K-9 Naming Contest. Watch video |
|
 |
Lake County Reports Progress on Strategic Plan
Lake
County’s Strategic Plan, which serves as our road map over the next several
years, identifies five strategic goals related to transportation,
sustainability, healthy communities, economic opportunities and public safety.
Residents helped shape the plan by providing input at a series of community
forums. Residents also said they wanted to stay informed on progress being made
toward these goals. In an effort to be more accountable, accessible and
transparent, we’ve posted our progress here. |
|
 |
 |
|
A free workshop for associations and property owners
who are responsible for maintaining detention ponds, wetlands and natural areas
will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 19 at the College of Lake County, 19351
W. Washington St., Wing C lower level, Grayslake. Attend workshops and talk
with consultants and contractors, who can provide the best ways to maintain
subdivision drainage systems. For information, contact Darcy Hertel at
847-377-7707 or send email to dhertel@lakecountyil.gov. |
Help prevent flooding by reporting clogged storm
drains to your community’s public works department, or clear storm drain clogs
in a safe manner. Using a rake or similar tool, clear and then dispose of
leaves, limbs and debris from the drain. Safety is important during flooding,
so stay away from downed power lines. Don’t walk or drive into flood waters,
and if you come into contact with flood waters, wash affected areas thoroughly
with soap and water. For more information, including learning your flood risk,
visit the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission's website.
 Have
a Green Thumb? Help Restore our Preserves Year Round
Our
dedicated conservation volunteers work year-round to improve the preserves.
Winter restoration activities primarily consist of controlling buckthorn
plants. Restoration workdays happen every weekend at forest preserve locations
throughout the county. No prior experience is necessary, and all ages are
invited. For details,
dates and locations, visit LCFPD.org.
Calling All Potential Rangers
The Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Cadet program is a great
way for young adults ages 14 to 20 interested in law enforcement and
conservation to work and train alongside Forest
Preserve Ranger Police. Call 847-968-3433 for details.
|
 |
|
In this installment
of Lake County’s dirty jobs - which takes you behind the scenes of some of Lake
County government’s dirty and difficult jobs - we head to LCDOT’s Heavy Duty
shop where Chairman Aaron Lawlor does some maintenance work on a snow plow
truck. Watch now |
In
this County Update, Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff discusses the work done in
the clerk’s office that goes beyond the election activity every year, and learn
how the County Clerk’s Office handles vital records and property tax
extensions. Wyckoff also addresses her hope that more county residents will
vote considering the advances made to make registering and voting easier. Watch |
|
 |
The last Senior Assessment Freeze Seminars will be held on May 1
in Deerfield and May 13 in Lake Forest to assist residents
in completing the 2015 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application for taxes payable in 2016 as well as service taxpayer needs on other homestead exemptions available. Residents
will work one on one with a staff member to complete the necessary forms. The
senior freeze application is due by July 1. Click here to view the form and eligibility
for the program.
Dates,
Times and Locations
Are you traveling this spring? Make sure your
passport is up to date! Renew your passport by sending it in the mail to the Lake County Circuit
Clerk’s Office. Visit the U.S. State Department
website for step-by-step instructions on how to apply
or renew your passport. Take a look at this Traveler’s Checklist for other tips and reminders before you go on vacation
 Did You Know – 1,000 Pets are Lost Each Year
in Lake County? Website Helps Reunite Owners and Lost Pets
The
Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control program has a new Lost
and Found Pet Service web page to help reunite the more than 1,000
pets lost every year with their owners. Watch this edition of Healthy Lake
County and learn more about this service as well as spring flooding risk and
expanded hours for the Midlakes Health Center in Round Lake Beach.
Health
Report Card: We’re Healthy!
Lake
County ranks among the healthiest counties in Illinois (and the U.S.) – ranking
sixth on Health Factors and 15th for Health Outcome out of 102 counties –according
to a new County Health Rankings report card. The health department will use
the findings to help identify areas for improvement and develop strategies that
promote the health of our communities. Learn
more.
Your Rx for Health: A Walk in the Park
Join naturalists and healthcare providers for free
guided tours in our forest preserves as part of the “Rx for Health” walking in
nature program, which aims to improve your health and your knowledge of nature.
For information and to view the schedule, visit the website.
|
 Get Your Pet Vaccinated at Low-Cost
Pet Clinics
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Season is underway. Learn more about Animal
Care and Control and find scheduled clinics near you.
|
The Recorder's Office has implemented an additional service for
homeowners to use to fight against identity theft and mortgage fraud. This new
24/7 service allows residents to sign up on the Recorder’s
website to receive an email or text, alerting them when certain documents
have been recorded against their name or property. Learn
more.
 New Partnerships and Programs
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently joined the consortium of colleges and universities that offer programs through the University Center of Lake County. The addition brings three new programs including: a Master of Science in Education in Instructional Technology, a Certificate in Web-Based Learning, and an accelerated RN to BS.
In addition, North Park University will launch a new Master of Organizational Leadership program through a combination of classroom and online formats. Read Full Press Release
About University Center
This state of the art facility in Grayslake offers more than 120 programs including bachelors and graduate degrees and professional certificates from 20 Illinois colleges and universities. Visit University Center’s website for more information.
|
 Lake
County Announces 2015 Construction Program
This year, the Lake
County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will have $137 million in road
projects under construction making for another busy construction season! While about
$60 million of that is carried over from projects that were started last year,
there will be about $77 million in new projects, which are expected to be awarded during the
first six months of 2015. The plan includes 24 projects, 11 of which
contain non-motorized travel improvements, such as bike paths, or adding bike
friendly lanes. Learn More
|
Advisory Committee Recommends Funding Plan for IL Route 53/120 Project
The IL Route 53/120 Project Finance Committee approved
recommendations to fund the extension of Illinois Route 53 north into Lake
County and to support tollway-led work to keep the project moving
forward. The committee’s recommended financing package includes a
variety of local sources and innovative revenue streams. The funding
recommendations will be presented to the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors
for consideration. Read
news release, Watch video.
|
IDOT Resurfacing Projects
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has several big resurfacing projects in Lake County this summer. The projects listed below are expected to start in the next few weeks, but there may be additional work later in the year. When resurfacing projects occur on major roadways, motorists can expect delays. State routes fall under the jurisdiction of IDOT and all questions and comments regarding these projects should be submitted through IDOT. To find out where you will encounter delays, please monitor local, real-time traffic information through Lake County PASSAGE.
IL 21 – Church Street (in Libertyville) to IL Rte 60, IL Rte 60 to Lake Cook Road
IL 137 – Butterfield Road to IL 21, IL 21 to O’Plaine Road
IL 134 – west of Fairfield to IL 120
IL 176 – Hilltop Terrace to US Hwy 12
US 12 – Ela Road to Lake Cook Road
Expect
Long-Term Lane Closures at Four Tollway Ramp Toll Plazas
The Illinois Tollway has
scheduled long-term lane closures for repairs at four North
Tri-State Tollway (I-94) ramp toll plazas starting this week.
The plazas affected are Buckley Road (Plaza 20), Townline Road (Plaza 22), Half
Day Road (Plaza 23) and Lake-Cook Road (Plaza 26). Look for electronic message signs to direct you through
the toll plaza during repairs. All work is scheduled to be complete this
summer. While
ramp repairs are underway, no more than one toll collection lane will be closed
at a time. I-PASS customers will have access at all times, while cash customers
will be directed to pay tolls online. Visit the Illinois Tollway website for information.
Washington Street (Near Courthouse Construction site in downtown Waukegan) To Close Rest of Year
Washington Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and County Street is closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic and will remain closed for eight to 10 months as the county advances work on the courthouse expansion project. In addition to the Washington Street road closure, the western portion of County Street from Washington Street to Water Street will also be closed with vehicular and pedestrian traffic moving to the east side of the street. Detour information, a map and information regarding the courthouse expansion are available on the project website.
 County Traffic Engineer Recognized as Manager of the Year
Jon Nelson, Lake
County Division of Transportation’s Traffic Engineer, was recognized as the Professional Manager of the Year in Engineering and Technology from the American Public Works Association (APWA). Nelson earned this
recognition for his role in applying Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
technologies to local travel networks through Lake County PASSAGE. Nelson understands that connecting motorists with real time
travel information will reduce their travel times and help them navigate local
roads more effectively. Learn more.
|
 Lake County Passage
Find out current road conditions and stay updated about construction projects with Lake County Passage. Sign up to receive customized email alerts and stay ahead of traffic this winter!
Whose Road is it?
Did you know not all roads in Lake County are managed by Lake County? To ask questions or voice a concern about a particular roadway, find out whose road it is and the contact information to the correct government agency.
Alert Lake County
Find tips and emergency response protocols at www.AlertLakeCounty.com or follow @AlertLakeCounty on Twitter for emergency alerts.
Rollins Road Website
For updates and information on this ongoing project, visit www.rollinsroadgateway.com/.
|
 If you’re starting your spring cleaning, think recycle first, trash last.
Reuse-A-Shoe Program
The Reuse-A-Shoe Program is designed to keep old
shoes out of landfills or disposed in other ways. Schools, scout troops and
community groups can participate. Details.
New Electronic Recycling Drop-Off Locations Open
Six new locations have opened for residential electronic drop-offs. Disposing of electronics safely helps keep our environment safe and clean, and there is no cost to drop off electronics at these locations.
Textile Recycling Program
Help reduce landfill space by bringing old or unwanted textiles of all kinds to one of Lake County’s Textile Drop Off Boxes, to be repurposed or recycled!
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) provides a variety of convenient services for Lake County residents including Electronic Recycling, Household Chemical Waste Collections, Textile Recycling, Paint Disposal, Prescription Drug Drop-Off Boxes, Shoe Recycling, and Composting Options.
|
Hosted by Conserve Lake County, shoppers
can find over 160 different species of native trees, shrubs, grasses and
perennials online through May 3. The on-site sale will run May 14 to 16 when
online orders can be picked up. Proceeds support Conserve Lake County, a
non-profit organization focused on conservation and its programs including
Conservation@Home.
May
14-15, noon to 8 p.m. (members only)
May 16-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 18-22, noon-3 p.m.
May 23-24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Conserve Lake County, 32492 N. Almond Road, Grayslake
|
For upcoming community events around Lake County, go to Visit Lake County's website and check their calendar of events for happenings near you!
For more information local areas, visit these community websites:
Bannockburn, Deerfield, Grayslake, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Riverwoods, Waukegan
|
|
 |
|
