Watch out for ticks, Caterpillar coming to Deerfield, 2017 construction program, and More

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April 24, 2017

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Dear Neighbors, 

Economic development and recruiting top employers to our region remains a vital tool to maintaining a strong local economy. Large employers and taxpayers also help alleviate tax pressure on all of us as residents. That's why we are so pleased to welcome the international headquarters of Caterpillar to Deerfield, which was announced last week.


County Welcomes Caterpillar to New Deerfield Headquarters

Caterpillar has selected Deerfield as home to its new corporate headquarters. Caterpillar initially plans to relocate approximately 100 employees to its new site immediately, but that number is expected to triple in coming years. The move adds high quality jobs and a new global brand to Lake County’s bustling economy. Caterpillar, a Dow Jones 30 company, joins 11 other Fortune 500 companies that call Lake County home. 

Lake County Partners and Lake County join the Village of Deerfield in welcoming Caterpillar to the neighborhood and look forward to working together to ensure that the transition is smooth and successful. Lake County Partners is a 501(c)(3) economic development corporation that works to maintain economic vitality in Lake County by creating and retaining quality jobs, stimulating capital investment, and pursuing economic diversity. Read the full news release


Time to Watch Out for Ticks

It’s the time of year to take precautions against ticks, which can be most active during the warmer weather and can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. Once considered a rare illness in Lake County, Lyme disease is becoming more common in the area. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center provides tips to help protect yourself from exposure to ticks:

  • Clear leaf litter under trees, and keep the ground clean under bird feeders
  • Keep grass near playground equipment short.
  • Install a wood chip or gravel barrier between lawns and wooded and tall grass areas.
  • Minimize wood piles as these are attractive to small mammals such as mice, which can carry ticks. 
tick removal

How To Remove a Tick
Whether it’s rubbing alcohol, nail polish, or a burnt match, there’s a lot of misguided folklore when it comes to how to remove a tick. It’s important to remove ticks properly. Watch this video with Lake County Health Department Senior Biologist Mike Adam and learn the proper techniques to remove a tick.


Report Ranks Lake County as Among Healthiest in the State

Lake County ranked sixth out of 102 counties in Illinois for health outcomes (measured by length of life and quality of life) according to the 2017 County Health Rankings. Over the past three years, the Health Department has increased its ranking from 15th in Illinois to sixth. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center (LCHD/CHC) and its partners have worked together to help improve the county’s health outcomes. Learn more about the ranking and what the health department is doing to continue improving the conditions in which people live, work and play.


Lake County Announces 2017 Construction Program

2017 construction program

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.

We Want to Know About Your Travel Needs!

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.

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Upcoming Senior Freeze Outreach Sessions

The Chief County Assessment Office and Lake County Township Assessors Association offer 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 to 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


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Forest Preserve News

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Rx For Health: Walking in Nature
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. 

 

YCC crew

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. Friday, April 28Learn more 


Lake County Kicks Off Blue Kids Lake County Project

blue kids lake county 2017

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Elected officials and community leaders recognized 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.


Community News

Save the date for Highland Park neighborhood meetings
The City of Highland Park along with area school districts, park, library and township departments as well as Lake County will host a series of neighborhood meetings to get feedback from residents on community priorities. The remaining meetings this year will take place May 2 and 31. Reservations are not required. Learn more


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at pfrank@lakecountyil.gov

I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Sign up for my mailing list here” button at the top of the newsletter.

Thank you,
Paul Frank 

Mr. Frank, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:

Lake County Board, 11th District:
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee
Lake County Health and Community Services Committee
Lake County Ad Hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Lake County Forest Preserves, 11th District: 
Planning Committee
Ethics Committee

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