 Forest Preserve News
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 AAA
Bond Rating Awarded for 15th Straight Year
The Lake County Forest Preserve
District has been awarded the AAA bond rating by both Standard & Poor's
Financial Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, two of the top
credit rating agencies in the world. The AAA rating, the highest possible,
indicates that an entity has an extremely strong capability to meet its debt
obligations. Of the 250 rated recreation districts nationwide, the Lake County
Forest Preserves is
one of only a handful rated AAA.
In
determining the top rating, both agencies looked favorably at the
District's long-term financial planning as a relevant management policy.
With the Fiscal
Year 2016-2017 Budget,
the Forest Preserves extended financial planning from a five- to a
10-year projection for the first time in its history. This long-term
planning is regarded by both agencies as an attribute of stability,
achieved by only top-ranked entities. They also noted that the Forest
Preserves has made important fiscal decisions such as “significant
expenditure cuts, including reducing its workforce by
10 percent and instituting wage freezes.” Learn more
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Take
the Des Plaines River Trail Challenge
Travel the entire 31.4 miles of the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) by Nov. 30
and be rewarded. The final section of the DPRT was completed
in 2015 and now spans the length of the county. Help
celebrate this amazing gem by using it. Bike it. Boat it. Walk it or run
it. Or, you can make a donation to help the Forest Preserves keep it
clean and safe. Learn
more. |
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Fresh
produce available from Green Youth Farm
Through early October, purchase organically grown produce from the Green Youth Farm, located in
North Chicago. The farm stand is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays.
Each summer, teens from low-income communities gain invaluable experience
working at the farm. Get a student-led tour at an open house on Aug. 3. |
Come To Fred Fest
Aug. 20
Join Fred Fest from 1 to 8 p.m. Aug. 20 at Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington. There is no rain
date. The event will feature local bands, food and drinks and family-friendly
activities. Details |
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Deerfield Road will be closed between Waukegan Road and Chestnut Street for 30 days beginning Monday, Aug. 1 to allow for construction operations. This closure is required in order to reconstruct infrastructure between the Metra viaduct and Waukegan Road. Simultaneously, maintenance work will be performed on the Deerfield Road bridge over the west fork of the north branch of the Chicago River (east of Deerpath Drive), which will prohibit traffic from crossing the bridge. These infrastructure improvements will result in a full closure and detour using local roads. Detour information
 Our
regional transit system is the second largest in the country by passenger miles
traveled (only behind New York). The Regional Transportation Authority is responsible
for planning and funding regional transit, which includes CTA, PACE and Metra.
In this County Update, learn more about the RTA’s transit priorities, efforts
underway to create accessible, walkable and livable communities, and the RTA’s
Trip Planner, which provides step-by-step directions for using public
transportation in the Chicago region. Watch video
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What
are the top reasons to go to your local farmers market? Watch this video as residents and shoppers share their reasons.
Lake County has over 20 markets, so there is sure to be one close to you. Use the farmers market finder. |
Assessment
notices have begun to be sent out and will continue to be sent to property
owners through August. If you have questions or
concerns regarding the assessed value of your property, discuss this with your local township assessor’s office.
Assistance
Understanding Your Property Tax Assessment
There also are resources to help homeowners work one-on-one with a member of
the Chief County Assessment Office to evaluate your property tax assessment. Taxpayer advocates are available
between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chief County
Assessment Office, 18 N. County St., 7th Floor,
Waukegan.
Homeowners
also can visit one of the tax assessment help centers, which begin Wednesday, Aug. 3. In addition to the University
Center of Lake County in Grayslake, take note of our new location at the Lake
County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. Check out the dates and times.
 The 88th annual Lake
County Fair will continue through Sunday, July 31 at the Lake
County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Don't miss all the fun, including livestock
barns, demonstrations, competitions, rides, and more. Learn
more
The Forest Preserves' booth will be in Expo Hall! Make sure to learn
about the Forest Preserves' efforts to save
the Blanding’s turtle, try on wildlife biologist gear, test tracking
equipment, and see a live Blanding’s turtle up close at the fair. Learn more.
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 Starting Wednesday,
Aug. 3, residents can tune in to Lake County Television (LCTV) to watch the
Lake County Board Finance and Administrative (F&A) Committee meetings live
at 1 p.m. The meetings will be also be webcast and archived on www.lakecounty.tv. Board Members who make
up the F&A Committee recently approved broadcasting these meetings to
enhance transparency as this committee discusses and approves significant
financial and policy matters before they go to the full board. The
meetings will also be replayed frequently on LCTV, which is available on
Comcast Cable, either channel 18 or 30, depending on where you live in the
county. Check
coverage area. AT&T Customers can view LCTV on channel 99.
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 If you are sending your child off to day care
or to school, now is the time to make an appointment with a primary care
provider to ensure your child is up to date on recommended vaccines. For
this upcoming school year, all students entering sixth, seventh and twelfth
grades must receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. College students also
need to be vaccinated against diseases like whooping cough, the flu and HPV
(human papilloma virus). Meningococcal vaccines are recommended for students
who will be living in dorms. Parents should consult with their child’s
healthcare providers to determine individual needs.
Parents who are unable to afford vaccinations may be
eligible for the Federal Vaccine for Children program, which offers
vaccinations at no cost. The Lake County Health Department’s Immunizations
Program at 2303 Dodge Ave., Waukegan provides immunizations through this
program. Learn more
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Celebrate at annual Lake Forest Day festivities
Join Lake Forest Day Tuesday, Aug. 2 and Wednesday, Aug. 3. Festivities include carnival rides, live music, food, the 5K fun run and parade. Details
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