|
I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's
happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel
free to send me an email,
or give me a call at 224-627-0767. If this newsletter was forwarded to
you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and
District 7.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will begin
working on the railroad bridge replacement on IL 132 (Grand Avenue) east of US
41 starting the week of April 10, 2017. According to IDOT, the contractor will
build a temporary railroad structure this summer and switch the train traffic
over to the temporary structure later this fall. This is a two-year project
that will eventually widen the underpass to allow for additional lanes of
traffic on IL 132 and provide pedestrian accommodations. The project is
scheduled for completion in the summer of 2019 and is expected to have a major
impact on IL 132 traffic.
Project Background:
- IDOT has long been planning for a bridge
replacement at US 41 and IL 132 in Gurnee. The first stage of construction was
a safety improvement in 2009. This stage of the project addressed the backup of
cars exiting US 41 to access IL 132, and the immediate safety need for cars
merging onto US 41 from IL 132.
- To address the congestion, the current stage of
construction will include replacing the railroad bridge and widening IL 132 and
the intersection. This will allow for additional turn lanes and more efficient
flow of traffic.
- The bridge replacement and intersection widening
is the final piece of the US Route 41 at IL Route 132 interchange improvement
project.
IDOT does not have a project specific website for this project, but you can find some information here. Select Lake County and then scroll down to this project.
 In 2017, Lake County will have roughly $94 million in road
projects under construction. About $56 million is carried over from 2016,
accounting for two of the big projects underway - the grade separation and
widening/reconstruction of Washington
Street and the reconstruction of Deerfield Road.
Much of the remaining work planned in 2017 falls
under the preservation category, which includes resurfacing projects, culvert
replacements and bridge repairs. In total, the Lake County Division of
Transportation will have 28 active construction projects this year. View the 2017
Construction Program Map.
|
A Paratransit
Market Study is now underway in Lake County to evaluate transportation options
for seniors, people with disabilities, and the general public. There are a
variety of services currently available, such as Pace Dial-a-Ride or township
programs, to assist you in your travels to and from medical appointments,
places of employment and other daily activities.
We are asking
you to help us understand your needs, identify gaps in service, and provide
your recommendations for what you hope to see. Here are some examples of what
we’ve heard so far:
Need: “I need the bus to get to work, to my
doctor's office, and to see my family in Grayslake.”
Gaps: “I have service within my township,
but I don’t have service beyond that”
Recommendation: “A county-wide transportation system
could and should allow for online reservations, prepaid ride cards, expanded
routes, and expanded hours that cover a typical business day.”
Please TAKE THE SURVEY
today, and add your opinions and experiences to be part of this important
study.
The Warren Township Highway Department announced curb replacement, sidewalk replacement and pavement resurfacing are scheduled to be done within the Grandwood Park subdivision. Weather permitting, the first phase is scheduled to begin the week of April 10 and will focus on repairing curb sections and sidewalk. The second phase will include resurfacing the roadway. Learn more about this project.
 View the unofficial results from the April 4 Consolidated Election for Election Day, early voting, and voting by mail ballots. Write-in candidate totals will be added within the next seven days. Remember, election results are unofficial until provisional and late-arriving vote by mail ballots are counted 14 days after the election, and the results are certified.
|
The Chief County
Assessment Office and Lake County Township Assessors Association offers help to
senior citizens ages 65 and older who want to complete the 2017 Senior
Citizen Assessment Freeze Application for taxes payable in 2018, as well as
assistance to taxpayers who may qualify to apply for other homestead exemptions.
Attend an upcoming outreach session where residents can work one-on-one with a
staff member to complete the necessary forms. The Senior Freeze Application is
due by July 7. View
Upcoming Outreach Sessions
 Learn more about the trends in teen use of opiates and prescription medication at an upcoming drug information forum. The forum will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee. Hosted by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, Lake County Opioid Initiative and Warren Township Youth and Family Services, the forum also will include an opportunity to bring unused, unwanted and/or expired prescription medications to properly be disposed and take it out of the reach of youth. Learn more about this event.
|
 April
is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Recently, elected officials and
community leaders kicked off the 2017 Blue Kids Lake County project, which aims
to educate the community about signs of child abuse and how to help prevent it.
Watch this video to learn more about
the Blue Kids Lake County project, and find out how you can get involved at bluekidslakecounty.org.
|
 Forest Preserve News
|
 Earth Week
Enjoy a week of free nature programs in honor of Earth Day April 22.
Celebrate spring, learn about ecology or join a nature walk. All programs are
free. All ages are invited, and no registration is required. Learn
more
|
 YCC Crew Member
Applications Now Accepted
Youth
Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer program designed to employ
youth, ages 16 to 18 in natural resources, construction, and park
maintenance related projects. Apply online to become a 2017 YCC crew
member. Completed
applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. April 28. Learn
more
|
 The simple act of
walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, physically and
mentally. Join Rx for Health where naturalists and health care providers will lead
guided walking tours of Lake County’s forest preserves. Watch this video to learn more, and see when the next walk will be.
|
 Lake County Public Works has begun its semiannual water hydrant flushing
program across the county. After flushing, you may notice a slight
discoloration of the water. You are urged not to do laundry during
flushing periods in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur
due to the disturbance in the water main. This is not harmful and will
dissipate after a short time. It is recommended to run cold water for
several minutes to clear your pipes. View the schedule.
|
 The
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Merit Commission is accepting applications for the
deputy sheriff position until April 17. 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
|
Have a hopping good time at area egg hunts
Discover eggs filled with prizes and more family fun at the following area events:
- Gurnee Park District's egg hunt will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8 at Viking Park in Gurnee. Details
- Grandwood Park Park District will host lunch with the Easter bunny and an egg hunt from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 9 at the park district community center. Learn more
- 20th annual egg hunt will take place at 11:30 a.m. April 15 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Admission is free. Details
Join annual craft swap
Warren Newport Public Library’s Green Team will host a craft swap from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 22. Bring quality supplies you no longer need and swap for ones you want. Details
| 
