Proposed IL Route 53 Extension, Tax Assessments & Help, and More

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 07/31/2015 12:05 PM CDT

July 31, 2015

Learn More About the Proposed IL Route 53 Project

Last week, I voiced support for the IL Route 53 Extension to the Tollway Board on behalf of the Lake County Board and 40 municipalities that represent 88% of Lake County's population. 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. Visit ilroute53.org to learn more.

Deerfield Parkway Concrete Patching

The Lake County Division of Transportation has been performing concrete patching work along Deerfield Parkway from IL Rte. 83 to IL Rte. 21/US Rte. 45. The contractor has completed the patching of the pavement and all lanes are now open. The project is about 85% complete at this point and daytime lane closures will be needed to complete the project. This work includes, sealing the new patch joints, landscaping and applying a protective coat to the new concrete.

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County

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

Tax Assessment Centers and Taxpayer Advocates Are Available to Help

There are resources available to help residents work one-on-one with a member of the Chief County Assessment Office for assistance with evaluating their property tax assessment. Taxpayer advocates are available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the assessment office, 18 N. County St., 7th Floor.

There also are tax assessment help centers to receive help. These centers are open from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The dates and locations are:

Aug. 11, 18 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15 and 22
College of Lake County Southlake Educational Center, 1120 S. Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills

Aug. 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 27, Sept. 2, 9, 12, 16 and 24
University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake

Stay Connected

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

Lake County Cybercrime Unit Works To Protect Children

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. Watch Video

New Task Force To Address Increased Gangs in Lake County

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

Support Suicide Prevention, Join the Wauk for Awareness

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

Provide Input On How Stormwater Management Can Improve

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.

Forest Preserves News

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.