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Dear Neighbors,
Despite the hot weather and heavy rains, many activities have continued in Lake County this summer. I know at times driving has been difficult with the road projects. Construction continues on Deerfield Rd and the Village of Libertyville also has a number of streets under repair. Washington Street in Grayslake will be closed temporarily. The details are below.
Be sure to read below about the second payment of property taxes due September 2 as well as checking your assessments. The "blue cards" you received contain information on how to check your assessment. I have also provided some links below.
Lake County also has a number of important initiatives related to mental health and opioid addiction. Please share this information with friends and neighbors.
If the summer has been too hot for you, the fall will provide a respite and it's a wonderful time to get out in the Forest Preserves. I took the Des Plaines River Trail Challenge (see below) and my husband and I rode the entire trail last week. We enjoyed meeting so many of you out enjoying it too.
As always, I am happy to discuss these or other issues with you, your homeowner's association or a religious, school, garden or other group. I encourage you to sign up for my Facebook page, as I am able to put important updates on that quickly.
Ann
Ann B. Maine
Lake County Board, District 21
President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
Get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 21 on my new Facebook page! Like my page today, and remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!
Dispose
Your Prescription Drugs Properly at A Disposal Box Near You
If you have prescription drugs that need to be thrown out, do it
the safe and responsible way. As part of International Overdose Awareness Day,
which is Aug. 31, municipal police departments across Lake County want
residents to be aware of the disposal boxes available. The Lake
County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force disposal program in
partnership with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County collected nearly
12,000 pounds of prescription medicine with an estimated street value of
$750,000 in 2015. Find a
prescription drug disposal box near you.
Local police
departments are now not the only place you can dispose of unwanted
prescriptions as Walgreens has recently installed medication disposal kiosks at
three Lake County locations:
- 780 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
- 15 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove
- 1811 Belvidere Road, Waukegan
 Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes and West Nile
Virus
August
is the peak month for West Nile virus. The disease can be transmitted by
mosquitoes and is again present this summer in Lake County. Hear from Mike Adam, senior biologist at the
Lake County Health Department, as he provides tips on how to protect yourself
from mosquitoes and an update on the presence of the Zika virus. Watch Video
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Lake
County Leaders Announce Initiative to Address Mental Health Crisis
Lake County, along with our nation and local
communities, is facing a mental health crisis that affects the individual,
families, friends, neighbors, veterans, employers, schools, hospitals, the
criminal justice system, and more.
To
address this growing problem and strengthen mental health services across the
county, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and the Honorable
Susan Garrett (former IL State Senator, 29th District) will lead a new
community-wide initiative focusing on data-sharing and evidence-based practices
to identify gaps and recommend a sustainable continuum of care for this
vulnerable population. Find Out More
Health Department takes next step to address opioid epidemic
To address the growing number of Lake County
residents struggling with opioid addiction, the Lake County Health
Department/Community Health Center is doubling the capacity of its Medication
Assisted Treatment program. Treatment will be expanded to 200 people through a
$325,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The need for this service has increased, as the
number of substance abuse related deaths in Lake County have tripled in the
past 20 years. Through this grant, the County plans to enhance the
program and reduce the number of overdose deaths. The funds will provide
medications, increase medical provider hours, add substance abuse counselors
and a licensed clinical social worker. Watch
this video to learn more about the expansion of the MAT
program.
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Support
Suicide Prevention at Annual 5K Event
Help raise awareness about suicide prevention by participating in the fourth
annual “Wauk” for Awareness 5K event on Saturday, Aug. 27. 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 K-9
demonstration, a jump house and wellness screening. Learn more
Provide Your Feedback As State Plans Long-Range Transportation Plan
Your feedback
is requested as the Illinois Department of Transportation plans the state’s
Long-Range Transportation Plan. Take a short survey, and help IDOT invest
its resources wisely. Take survey
 Remember To Drop It and Drive
Did you know 60 percent of teen crashes occur
when the drivers are distracted? To reduce this, Lake County law enforcement
and traffic safety partners are working together to educate motorists about the
dangers of texting and driving, and increased traffic safety patrols will be
enforcing the hand-held cell phone ban through Labor Day. Watch this video to
learn more about the #DropItAndDrive campaign.
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 Learn How the RTA Works to Create Accessible
Communities
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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Washington Street to Close at Railroad Crossing, Sept. 9
Grayslake, IL-The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will temporarily close Washington Street at the railroad crossing west of Lake Street, to raise the railroad track at the grade crossing and rebuild the temporary grade crossing and roadway approaches. This closure is part of the Washington Street Underpass construction project. The closure of the crossing will begin at 9 p.m. Friday, September 9. Washington Street will reopen to thru traffic at 5 a.m. on Monday, September 12. You can find more information about this project at: http://www.washingtonunderpass.com/
Detour Route: Washington Street, to IL Rte 83, to Rollins Road, to Hainesville Road. Local traffic will have access to the Metra Station Entrance west of the railroad tracks. Washington Street will be closed to all traffic from east of the Metra station entrance to Lake Street.
 Forest Preserves 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. Learn more
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 Enjoy free museum admission through August
On Sept. 1, the Lake County
Discovery Museum will close its doors at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, pack up its vast collections and move to its new
Libertyville location. A grand opening is anticipated in late
2017. As our thank you for 40 great years at Lakewood,
the Museum is offering free admission through August. Don't miss your
chance to visit the Museum and view its current exhibitions before the end of
the month. Stop by the gift store and get 70 percent off your purchase. Details
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Hike Lake County
Like to hike? Enjoy summer sunshine and autumn
colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. Complete seven hikes
by Nov. 30, and you'll earn a reward. Let your canine companion join in on the
fun and they will earn a prize, too. 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.
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Hawkfest
Experience
the fall hawk migration and see live raptors at Hawkfest from
1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at Fort
Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest. Join official raptor counters as
they scan the skies and share their tips for identification. Help spot
migrating raptors, and visit bird education stations to learn about raptor
adaptations, the amazing world of woodpeckers, and waterfowl identification on
Lake Michigan. The event is free and open to all ages. Learn more
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 Check out upgraded practice facility at
Countryside
Golfers
at Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein will be welcomed this year by an upgraded
practice facility. The driving range teeing area is now 30 percent larger,
allowing more than 60,000 square feet of perfectly manicured blue grass. The
teeing area drainage has also been improved to increase usability throughout
the season. Learn
more
Connect with the Forest Preserves!
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Enjoy nature? Want to learn something new? Visit our Nature Blog, this summer and fall Alison and Jen will be exploring the Des Plaines Trail and Greenway, in anticipation of the completion of the trail. And if you enjoy history, be sure to read the History Blog by Diana Dreske. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
You can view a full calendar of Forest Preserve events for more information.
The second installment of your 2015 property
tax bill is due Sept. 2. Please note, you received one bill in May and you will
not receive another bill for the second installment. If you have misplaced your
second installment coupon, you can print a copy from the
Treasurer's Office website by entering your PIN or address.
Check out
an interactive tax bill to
help you better understand what is included on your bill, and visit
the Treasurer’s Office website to get answers to frequently asked questions, and see
property tax payment options available to you.
Assessment
notices have been sent out to property
owners across Lake County. 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. 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.
Filing an Assessment
Appeal? Use our Online System
Our quick and convenient Online Appeal Filing System allows you to get your appeal information to
the Board of Review without the hassle of mailing or hand delivering them to
the Chief County Assessment Office in Waukegan. Watch this video for step-by-step assistance to file an appeal
online. Learn more about the
process to file an appeal
including reasons to appeal and the hearing process.
 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.
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 Back To School Safety Tips
As students return to the classroom, let’s
make sure they are safe this school year. This means keeping an eye on the road
for school buses and students walking to school, as well as making sure
students stay safe by using their technology in a responsible way. Watch this video as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office give you tips to make
sure students stay safe.
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 Want
a Career with Lake County’s Largest Law Enforcement Agency?
The
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Merit Commission is currently accepting
applications for the deputy sheriff position. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen
and at least 21 years of age at the time of orientation, a high school graduate
(or GED) and possess a valid driver's license. Apply Today
Apply today to become a Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy
The
Lake County Sheriff’s Office also is currently accepting applications for
reserve deputies. The Reserve Deputy Unit is comprised of members who give
back to Lake County, through community service in the area of law
enforcement. Candidates must be at least 21
years old, a U.S. citizen, and a high school graduate (or equivalent). Apply
today
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 The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center recently
broke ground for its Healing Garden, a place to bring comfort to child victims
of abuse. The Children’s Advocacy Center works with the State’s Attorney’s
Office and Lake County police departments to investigate and help successfully
prosecute offenders of child abuse without causing further trauma to the child
victim. Watch this video to learn more.
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 Veterans are invited
to come to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan on Nov. 11 to have their oral
histories recorded. The typed transcripts will be archived at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project. This
project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of
American war veterans. The deadline to submit forms to participate in this
year’s event is Oct. 1. Any veteran interested in being interviewed for
this project should contact Carol Cord at ccord@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-3771. Learn more
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In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the
men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their
service, we offer resources to help veterans and their families. To learn more,
check out this brochure, which
details the assistance the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission provides,
the Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court, how to request a military service
discharge record, and more.
 If
you’ve been served with a foreclosure notice on your home, are unable to
communicate with your lender and are concerned about fighting for your home in
court, the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit's mortgage foreclosure mediation program may help. Watch this video as Judge Mitchell L. Hoffman of the Nineteenth Judicial
Circuit explains this free program to help homeowners learn options available
to them as well as get assistance to fill out necessary paperwork.
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 Residents can tune in to Lake County Television (LCTV) to watch the
Lake County Board Finance and Administrative (F&A) Committee meetings live. The meetings are also being 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 are also 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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 County
Installs Third Free Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Lake County has installed its third FREE electric vehicle charging
station! The new station is at the Lake County Court and Administrative Complex
and is FREE to use for two hours per charge. The stations allow you to recharge
plug-in electric vehicles, including all-electric cars, neighborhood electric
vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Electric vehicle owners must have a ChargePoint
membership to use the County’s charging stations. Learn more about the County’s charging
stations, and check on charging station availability
on ChargePoint’s website.
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Pet Vaccination and Microchip Clinic
The Lake County Health Department, together with the Grayslake Police Department, is offering a low-cost pet vaccination and microchip clinic on Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Grayslake Police Dept, 10 S. Seymour Avenue, Grayslake.
For pets spayed/neutered:
-One year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag: $20.00
-One year rabies vaccination, tag and distemper: $25.00
-Distemper complex only: $10.00
-Microchip: $15.00
For pets not spayed/neutered:
-One year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag: $60.00
-One year rabies vaccination, tag and distemper: $65.00
-Distemper complex only: $10.00
-Microchip: $15.00
All animals brought to the clinic should be at least four months old. In addition, dogs must be leashed and cats placed in carriers. Cash payment is required at the time of vaccination. CASH ONLY.
For additional information, contact the Lake County Health Department's Animal Care and Control facility at 847-377-4700.
Grayslake workforce development satellite site has
moved
The Lake County Workforce Development Satellite site at the College of Lake
County in Grayslake has moved to Building 4. The times for the
information sessions at this site also have changed. Learn
more
Do you need assistance finding a job?
Lake
County Workforce Development can help you find your next job, and can even
connect you with resources to help develop your skills. Read their latest Success
newsletter, which highlights how recent job seekers and trainees recently
made the employment connection!
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Lake Forest: the 62nd Deer Path Art on the Square will be held Sunday and Monday September 4 and 5 at Market Square in Lake Forest. Admittance is free.
First Fridays continue in Libertyville. The next one is September 2. It's a fun time for food, music, shopping and visiting with friends.
If you haven't attend Food Truck Friday in Lincolnshire--the good news is they are being extended to October 23. The next one is September 9.
Join the Village of Deerfield and #GiveWhereYouLiveDeerfield now through September 30. They are collecting hygiene and feminine care products for homeless shelters throughout Lake County.
For more to do throughout the area, Visit Lake County has the latest on festivals, concerts and more.
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