Route 53 & Tollway, Summer Fun & 4th of July Events

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 07/02/2015 02:20 PM CDT

July 2, 2015

Discussions Continue Regarding Proposed IL Route 53 Project

Recently, Governor Bruce Rauner appointed me as a Director to the Illinois Tollway Board, which is currently considering whether to advance the proposed IL Route 53 project.

For the last several years, a collaborative group of Lake County leaders, along with the Tollway Board and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, have been exploring the feasibility of the project with respect to financing and land use. A package of financial recommendations has been sent to the Tollway Board along with a request to move forward with the next engineering and environmental studies.

In this video, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and I have a conversation about the Route 53 project's history, benefits and feasibility. Watch now

Get Outside and Enjoy Summer in Lake County

Summer is finally here, and there is so much to do in Lake County. From our hundreds of lakes to boat and fish on to weekend getaways and family-friendly adventures, you will find it all in Lake County. In this edition of County Update, we take you to Waukegan Harbor as we talk about things to do this summer with the president of Visit Lake County. Watch video.

Discover Fun Ways to Celebrate Independence Day
Whether you check out fireworks or watch a community parade, there are so many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. To check out all the patriotic celebrations, visit Visit Lake County.

More Fun Independence Day Weekend Activities

Barrington Lions Club Brat Tent - TODAY, Thursday, July 2nd - Saturday, July 4th, 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM/Fireworks on the 4th. Live entertainment, food & drinks. more info

Wauconda Fireworks - Friday, July 3rd, at sunset over Bangs Lake in Wauconda.

Wauconda Park District Fireworks Watch Party - Friday, July 3rd, 6:00 PM, food & fun at Cook Memorial Park. more info

Barrington 5K/10K Family Fitness Run - Saturday, July 4th, 7:15 AM. more info

Barrington Fourth of July Parade - Saturday, July 4th, 10:00 AM Start down Main Street from Barrington High School to the Barrington Train Station. more info

Island Lake Fourth of July Parade - Saturday, July 4th, 10:00 AM Start begins at Kemper ends at Veteran's Park along Burnett Road. Picnic at park after. more info

Be Prepared for Stormy Weather

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.

Green Light! Modernization Leads to Efficient Transportation

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

Lake County Partners Addresses How to Improve Economic Opportunities

One of the Lake County Board’s top strategic goals is improving economic opportunities. Lake County Partners, Lake County’s economic development agency made up of government and business representatives is advancing that goal by implementing strategies that focus on attracting, retaining and expanding businesses and spearheading initiatives that bolster business success. Partners recently gave an update to the county board on its progress. Listen to that presentation here.

Be Aware of Ruse Burglaries. Learn How to Protect Yourself

A recent ruse burglary took place in the Cuba Township area. Ruse burglars target seniors and people living alone. Offenders generally travel in pairs, allowing one offender to distract the homeowner while the other offender enters the home to search for and steal cash, jewelry and other items.

If you feel you were the victim of a ruse burglary or if you have seen suspicious vehicles and/or subjects approaching elderly neighbors, call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200 to report these incidents, or call 911 if the incident is in progress. For information, visit the sheriff's website.

Forest Preserves News

Civil War Days Comes July 11 and 12
The boom of cannons, the crack of rifles, the galloping of horse hooves welcomes you at the annual Civil War Days encampment, Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12 at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Wander the camps to see soldiers, civilians and tradesmen at work. Watch as union and confederate forces collide in battle. Visit the 1863 Summer Fair, meet President Lincoln and shop Civil War era vendors. Kids enjoy period crafts, games and a scavenger hunt. Visit LCFPD.org/civilwar for details. Buy your ticket online, or download a coupon for $1 off admission. Ticket price includes parking and admission to the Lake County Discovery Museum.

Civil War Comes Home
Join the Lake County Discovery Museum and the Lake County Historical Alliance as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and assassination of president Abraham Lincoln. View Civil War Comes Home events.

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.

Lake County Towns Rated Best Suburbs in Chicago Metro Area

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!