 Dear Friends,
Its that time again! Join me at one of our local events this month starting with Lake Villa Days this week and then Lindenfest starting next week. My wife and I will be trying our luck at the Ham or Bacon tent and its always fun watching the Water Fights especially with our local business owners. I look forward to seeing you there.
Have a great week and please contact me with any county or forest preserve concerns or suggestions. I enjoy keeping you informed on things happening around the county and around District 3.
Together we can make sure that Lake County remains a wonderful place to call home.
Sincerely,
Tom Weber
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 Assessment
notices have begun to be sent out and will continue through August. The notices
will include important information including a summary of the current year’s
valuation charges, property characteristics, homestead exemptions received on
the previous tax bill, and more. View
Newsletter
Filing
An Appeal? Use Our Online System
Over half of all assessment appeals that were filed last year were filed using
our Online Appeal Filing System! This quick and convenient system
allows you to get your appeal information to the Board of Review without the
hassle of mailing or hand delivering them to our office in Waukegan. Watch this video for
step-by-step assistance for filing an online appeal.
Get
Updates, More Information Using Social Media
Follow the Chief County
Assessment Office and Lake County, IL Government on Facebook and Twitter! Get
important updates regarding exemption information, assessment publications
dates, assessment appeal final filing deadlines and so much more!
Chief County Assessment Office: Facebook, Twitter
Lake County IL, Government: Facebook, Twitter
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 The 82nd Annual LAKE VILLA DAYS starts this Thursday August 6th thru Sunday August 9th, 2015
Times: Thursday: 6pm-10pm, Friday: 6pm-1am, Saturday: 12pm-1am, Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Bring the family out for a great time at the annual Lake Villa Days. Enjoy carnival games, bingo, food, beverages, live entertainment and the famous water fights. Fireman water fights are scheduled for Saturday and the business people water fights will be held Sunday. Live music from the Modern Day Romeos on Friday night and Bella Cain on Saturday night.
Location: Lehmann Park, 148 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa, IL 60046
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Friends of the Lake Villa District Library will be hosting their August used book sale. They are offering a large selection of hardcover and paperback novels, gently used children’s books, DVDs, music CD’s and much more.
Thursday, August 13 – 4-6pm Preview for Friends Members. 6-8pm Book sale open to the public.
Friday, August 14th – 9-5pm Book sale open to the public
Saturday, August 15th – 9-5pm Book sale open to the public. Half-price sale 9-11:30am, $2 bag sale from noon -3pm
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Four days of fun at Lindenfest! It kicks off on Thursday, August 13th, with opening ceremonies at 5:45pm at the main stage. Throughout the festival there will be rides, games, food, fun and music. Don't forget the Lindefest Parade on Saturday, August 15th, starting at 10:30am. Theme this year is "Dancin' In The Streets!"
  
Round Lake Beach Police had a great turnout at their National Night Out with tons of free Hot Dogs and chips, local entertainment and many cool looking vehicles at the Auto Show! It was nice getting to talk with Round Lake Beach Chief Hare and Mayor Richard Hill. My wife Becki and I also spoke with some of our local Boy Scouts, Pastors and some local radio talent with WRLR 98.3 FM. |
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 A mosquito pool (or batch of mosquitoes) sampled
in Lake County has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first
confirmed indicator of the disease’s presence in Lake County in 2015. You
may report areas of stagnant water (conducive for mosquito breeding) as well as
locations of dead birds, or learn more about the signs and symptoms of West
Nile virus by calling the West Nile hotline number at (847) 377-8300. Learn
more about mosquito protection at www.fightthebitenow.com. Read news release
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 To help Lake County residents better manage the costs
of prescription medications as well as health and dental services, Lake County
is joining a new prescription, health and dental discount program. The program
provides up to 75 percent off prescriptions and discounts on medical and dental
services. The free prescription discount card and information on the
low-cost health and dental discounts are available at city halls, township
offices and libraries throughout the county. Watch to learn more.
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Petite Lake Road Reopens After Reconstruction Project
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has opened Petite Lake Road from west of Fairfield Road to east of IL Route 59 following the reconstruction project, which began June 15. There will be some temporary lane closures for adding the final surface, paving and lane markings. The roadway will remain open to traffic for the finishing work. In addition to the reconstruction, improvements include a new bike path along the south side of Petite Lake Road from the west project limits to Cedar Valley Drive and along the north side of Petite Lake Road from Sir John Drive to the Lake County Forest Preserve District. More information
 Discussions Continue Regarding Proposed IL Route 53 Project
The
IL Route 53/120 project has been talked about for a long time, but now it is
closer to being built than ever before. Lake County along with local mayors,
transportation and environmental stakeholders have been working with the
Illinois Tollway on a plan for the extension that will reduce traffic
congestion, provide opportunities for economic development and protect open
space and the environment. Learn more by visiting our IL Route 53 Facts &
Figures page and watching this video.
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 The
need for transportation expansions and improvements exceeds the amount of funding
that is available, and the cost of construction continues to rise. Therefore,
if we can’t always make our roads BIGGER, we have to make them SMARTER.
The Lake County Division of Transportation recently completed a traffic signal
timing study along six corridors. The study results show that technology
enhancements, adjusting signal timing, and coordinating signals through Lake County PASSAGE led to a reduction in delays, a reduction in
fuel consumption, and a savings of approximately $9.8 million dollars a year. More
information
 The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Cybercrime Unit
pursues online predators who seek to meet underage children and those who
possess inappropriate images and videos of children. Follow these officers as
they conduct a search warrant for a man believed to be in possession of child
pornography. Persons placed under arrest are presumed innocent until proven
guilty in a court of law.
New Task Force To Address Increased Gangs
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will form the Lake County Gang Task
Force, a law enforcement collaborative comprised of federal and local law
enforcement agencies to address the increased migration of gang members into
Lake County. The task force will collaborate with educational, faith-based,
civic and parent organizations providing gang-awareness presentations and
developing stronger community relations to prevent gangs from recruiting youth.
Read press release |
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First-time Offenders Can Earn Second Chance with Alternative Prosecution Program
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office
Alternative Prosecution Program gives first-time, non-violent offenders the
opportunity to earn a second chance to make good, while benefiting the
community, and victims. The program provides those individuals who meet the
eligibility requirements to keep a conviction from being permanently entered on
their record upon successful completion of the program, while protecting and
respecting the rights of victims by requiring community service. Additionally,
the program will divert cases from numerous and lengthy court appearances in
general felony courtrooms. It also establishes mandatory restitution payments
to crime victims. Gang members and those charged with crimes against the
disabled, elderly, or involving weapons are not eligible. The County Board
recently approved the appropriation of fees and costs assessed to participants,
as part of the program. Read Press Release.
It was a beautiful day to get down and dirty at the Chamber Mud Run! I heard around 165 people came out to try their luck get muddy and challenge themselves. It looked like a lot of sticky fun. we even had some of Lake Villa's finest show up to give it a try. It was nice to have the water slide at the end to help wash off. Check out some of the competitors below. |
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Join the third annual Waukegan Cares
Foundation’s “Wauk for Awareness” 5K event Aug. 22. Designed to raise awareness
and support the Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force, the warm-up will
begin at 10:30 a.m. at Founders Park, 10385 W. Beach Road, Beach Park. The walk
will begin at 11 a.m. The festival also will feature a police dunk tank, a
police K-9 demonstration, a jump house and wellness screening. About 25
agencies that offer services to the community will be there. Details
 What
are the top 4 reasons to go to your local farmers market? Local residents and
shoppers tell us in this video.
Lake County has 20+ markets so there is sure to be one close to you. Find
out where at http://maps.lakecountyil.gov/farmersmarkets/
 Forest Preserve News
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 Check Out A New Forest Preserve To Enjoy
The Lake County Forest Preserves will
reach a special milestone this year as the trail designed to extend across the
county from Russell Road to Lake Cook Road along the Des Plaines River gets
completed this fall. In this County Update, Lake County Forest Preserves
President Ann Maine welcomes you to one of her favorite places, Ryerson Conservation
Area in Riverwoods to tell you about more than 182 miles of forest preserve trails,
the programming and ways you can discover online all the forest preserves can
offer. Watch now.
Come To Fred Fest Aug. 15 at Fox River Forest
Preserve
Enjoy
a day of music and family fun while supporting the Preservation
Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at the 3rd Annual Fred
Fest. The
event will run from 1 p.m. to dusk Aug. 15 at the Fox River Forest Preserve in Port
Barrington. The musical lineup features five popular Barrington-area
musicians and bands. Also enjoy a full line-up of children’s activities.
Congressman Dold Speaks About Forest Preserves’ 100-Year Vision
Congressman Robert Dold (Illinois, 10th District, Waukegan, Highland Park, Round Lake Beach) recently spoke on the floor of the United States House of Representatives about the Lake County Forest Preserve District's 100-Year Vision for Lake County. Watch video.
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Share Fun Moments
in the Preserves on Instagram
Join us on Instagram for a simple and fun way to share moments
spent in your Lake County Forest Preserves.
Want To Learn More? Check Out Our Blogs
Learn more about natural events in Lake County and discover the county’s
history by subscribing to our Lake County natural and cultural history blogs. There’s
also a blog to check out the Lake County Discovery Museum’s Curt Teich Postcard
Archives,
the largest public collection of postcards and related materials.
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 Lake County Workforce Development
wants to cover your tuition cost to assist with your long-term goals. Attend an
information session at the Job Center of Lake County at the following times and
locations. Visit at 3 p.m. Tuesdays or 11 a.m. Thursdays at 1 N. Genesee St.,
Waukegan. Or go to the Grayslake location at 800 Lancer Lane at 2 p.m. Tuesdays
or 11 a.m. Wednesdays. More
information
Attend Job Fair Aug. 18 in Round Lake
The 10th District Job Fair
will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Round Lake Area Park District
Sports Center, 2004 Municipal Way, Round Lake. More information
Lake County is Hiring. Check Out Job Openings
Lake County is hiring! Career opportunities cover a wide spectrum of fields. Check out our career portal for
the current job listings for Lake County
government.
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 Lake County
is a great place to live, and the rankings show it! Several municipalities in
Lake County are rated in the top 100 of the best suburbs in the Chicago Metro
Area. Suburbs were ranked based on livability for safety, schools, and access
to activities, jobs, housing and transportation. Visit Lake County Life to see all of the
things that make Lake County special!
 Summer also
can mean stormy weather. Knowing how to prepare can ensure you and your family
stay safe during a severe storm. Learn the difference between a “Watch” and a
“Warning”, the dangers of flash flooding, food safety during a storm and more
in our Stormy Weather Safety Tips Video.
For information about storm preparedness, visit Alert Lake County.
Protect Your Home and Save Money If Floods Come
Residents in unincorporated Lake County may be able to save up to
20 percent on their flood insurance policies. Lake County is recertified each
year through FEMA based on our floodplain and building code regulations and
community information and education. To find out more about floodplain regulations
and to determine if you are located in a floodplain, visit our Flood
Information page.
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The Lake County
Stormwater Management Commission seeks your input as to how it can better
manage the stormwater issues and needs. The commission's mission is
to coordinate stormwater activities of over 90 local jurisdictions to
improve water quality, reduce flood damages, and restore and enhance the
natural drainage system. Attend one of the scheduled public outreach meetings. You also may
provide ideas by completing the following survey. For information about the updated plan, visit
the project web page.
Green Corner
 Lake
County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and
other leaders from the collar counties and the City of Chicago recently met in
Deerfield to collaborate and develop strategies to strengthen the region’s
economic development growth opportunities in the areas of freight, logistics
and exports. Key topics of discussion concerned the Chicago Metro Metal
Consortium,
the Metro Chicago
Exports Initiative,
streamlined truck permitting, Foreign Owned Enterprises and Foreign Direct
Investment. All of the presenters remarked on the importance of regional
collaboration, the unparalleled talent of our workforce, and the noteworthy
strides being made to ensure that businesses in the region have what they need
to establish, grow and prosper.
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Lake County has been
recognized with four Achievement Awards from the National Association of
Counties (NACo). The award winners include: “Multi-Media Budget Project,”
which includes a new budget web portal, the “2015 Leaders Summit/Lake County Life,” the “Lake County Opioid Initiative,” and the Veteran’s Treatment and Assistance Court (VTAC)
Mentoring Program.
Click on the links to learn more about these innovative, award-winning
programs.
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