Washington Street Thoroughfare Project Comes to an End 
I recently joined local officials to celebrate the completion of the Washington Street Thoroughfare Project in central Lake County. A project that goes back 25 years, this $53 million project included reconstructing and widening Washington Street as well as providing a grade separation by lowering Washington Street under the CN/Metra railroad tracks. Watch this video to learn more.

Lake County Update - Pace Bus Services
Improving transportation is a top strategic goal for the Lake County Board, which includes working with our transit partners like Pace suburban bus service to provide services that meet the needs of our residents and our workforce. In this edition of Lake County Update, Linda Soto, Lake County’s representative on the Pace Board of Directors, talks about the fixed Pace routes in Lake County, Paratransit, the Shuttle Bug program, and new programs being rolled out elsewhere in the region that may make their way to Lake County, including Park-n-Ride and new Flex Lanes where express buses can move onto the shoulder of the Tollway when traffic is congested.

Alert to Lake County Homeowners
Lake County homeowners have been receiving letters from two companies regarding the deed to their homes. The letters look official and threatening, but the true purpose of the mailing is to get you to spend your money with a fake company. Watch this video to learn how to protect yourself. If you have any questions or need a copy of your deed, contact the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office at 847-377-2575.

Protect Your Home with Property Check
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office provides a tool for homeowners to help protect their biggest investment. Property Check is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers, via email and/or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. The sign-up process only takes a few minutes. Once you enter your name notification criteria, you will only need to update your account information if your email address or cell phone number changes. Sign up! 

Forest Preserves News

Governor Approves Land Exchange Between Lake County Forest Preserve District and IDNR
Earlier this month, Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB 534, an act of the state Legislature authorizing a historic land exchange between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Lake County Forest Preserve District (District). The documents necessary to facilitate the transfer are now being prepared, and will convey the interests and terms of the exchange.

The terms of the Act call for the 131-acre Black Crown Forest Preserve (Volo), currently owned and managed by the District, to be transferred in full to IDNR and added to the adjacent Moraine Hills State Park. In exchange, IDNR will fully release its partial ownership interests in current District land holdings at Oriole Grove Forest Preserve (Lake Bluff) and Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve (Lake Forest). IDNR has a 65 percent interest in 86-acre Oriole Grove and a 65 percent interest in approximately 173 acres of the 435-acre Prairie Wolf, while the District currently owns only 35 percent of those parcels. The exchange will give total ownership and care (100 percent of the land) at the two preserves to the District. In whole, the agreement benefits all state and county residents since the land exchange provides that all three parcels, Black Crown, Oriole Grove and Prairie Wolf, will remain as open space available to the public in perpetuity. 

Background
In the 1970s, the state and the District cooperatively purchased parcels of land at Oriole Grove and Prairie Wolf on which floodwater retention structures were planned. The reservoirs were never built by the state because they were later deemed economically unfeasible. The District has been working with IDNR for many years to find a way to transfer IDNR’s interests at Oriole Grove and Prairie Wolf so they are fully under the District’s care and management. This land exchange will accomplish the long sought-after transfer of these environmentally sensitive parcels to the District and protect them permanently. Learn more about Oriole Grove Forest Preserve and Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve.

Project Update: Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Construction of public access improvements at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve is going well thanks to the relatively dry weather we've had this season. Overall, the project is on schedule for reopening a portion of the preserve in the summer of 2018. Progress is being made on many items, including the entry drive, parking lot, pond expansion, turf trail, timber bridges, and overlooks. Boulders selected by Forest Preserve planners are being incorporated into the overlooks as gateway and seating elements.

During construction, all portions of the preserve north of Fort Sheridan’s historic district will be closed to public access. Respect all safety blockades and closure signage. Do not move blockades or attempt to access closed areas. The only areas of the preserve open to the public are the Parade Grounds and the Vattman Road entrance drive to the cemetery. View closure map. Learn more

Bridge Connects Middlefork Savanna to Local Trails, Parks
At around 1:30 am on Sept. 9, the Lake County Forest Preserves began installing a 221-foot steel pedestrian bridge over the Metra Railway to connect trails at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve to Lake Forest Academy and Townline Community Park. Watch video of installation. Other project elements include a scenic overlook, 10-foot-wide paved trails, and crosswalk improvements at the intersection of IL Route 60 and Academy Drive. View project map. This project is part of a larger effort to connect Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve and the Middlefork Trail and Greenway to the Des Plaines River Trail at MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa.

The Lake County Forest Preserves is pleased to be working with the following partners and donors to make this project possible: City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein. The Forest Preserve is the lead agency responsible for administration and coordination of the project and 60 percent of the local funding for construction costs. The Forest Preserve also secured federal funding for the project through a grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Learn more

Halloween Hikes
Join a guided group hike along a candlelit path to watch fun nature-themed skits, followed by doughnuts and cider. Even your smallest child will enjoy this family favorite. The 1.5-mile hike will begin every 30 minutes between 6 and 8 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21 at Ryerson Woods. Learn more

Hike Lake County Challenge
Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated “Hike Lake County” trails. Complete just seven of the hikes by Nov. 30 to earn a commemorative shield. View this year’s hike locations here.

New Interactive Trail Map
Did you hear that? The preserves are calling your name. Find your next adventure with the new Interactive Trail Map. This easy-to-use map will help you locate trails, preserves, activities and amenities from your phone, tablet or computer. Start exploring today!

Unclaimed Property Auction
At 9 a.m. Oct. 28, Obenauf Auction Service, Inc. will auction off a variety of unclaimed property found in forest preserves throughout Lake County. The auction will be held at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.

Bicycles, clothing, electronics, and other assorted items in the possession of the Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police Department will be sold at the auction. All property is sold "as is." Check the Obenauf Auction Service, Inc. website for photos and details of auction items.

For more information, contact our Ranger Police Department at 847-968-3404.

Shelter update
Plan early for your family reunion, company picnic or other group gathering to ensure your first choice of shelter and date. Reservations for 2018 picnic shelter rentals will begin Monday, Oct. 16. Purchase permits online starting at 12:01 a.m., by phone, or in person starting at 8 a.m.

Spring Bluff Project Includes New Trail and Habitat Restoration
Thanks to an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 0.7 miles of new trail will be developed at 229-acre Spring Bluff Forest Preserve in Winthrop Harbor, converting an existing asphalt roadway to a recreational trail. The new trail will connect to existing trails at adjacent Illinois Beach State Park via the 7th Street bike lanes.  The project also includes building a wildlife education and observation deck and completing habitat restoration work within the preserve. Spring Bluff is primarily wetlands with oak savanna and prairie. 

The land being restored is part of a greater ecological complex that supports multiple natural landmarks, including the recent designation as a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance, nine endangered plant and animal species, and 114 bird species. The expected project completion is late 2018. View map

Strategic Plan Update
In 2015, the Chiwaukee Prairie Illinois Beach Lake Plain (Lake Plain) was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty for protection of exemplary wetland systems around the world. In June, the Lake Plain received added recognition by the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Wetland of Distinction. This publicly and privately protected ecosystem connects 14 different community types along Lake Michigan in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. Our partnership in this restoration project supports two of five strategic directions to help us achieve our 100-year Vision for Lake County. Learn more 

Grants Received for Conservation Projects

• Ethel’s Woods Forest Preserve: A $1 million Clean Water Act grant was received from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for work underway at Ethel’s Woods in Antioch. The grant will fund ecological restoration of the historical North Mill Creek riparian corridor.

• Lake Michigan Lake Plain: A $1 million grant from the Sustain Our Great Lakes Partnership will help support continued restoration efforts for the Lake Plain project in northeastern Lake County. The grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, will be used by the Lake County Forest Preserves and the Chiwaukee Prairie Illinois Beach Lake Plain Partnership to restore connected habitat key to sustaining and enhancing the biodiversity of the rare Lake Michigan Lake Plain ecosystem, which is part of the Great Lakes basin. The project will restore critical blocks of land through invasive plant and prescribed burn management strategies to increase acreage of connected quality habitat for the Blanding’s turtle and other federal and state-listed species of concern. Learn more

Reimbursement Funds Received for Project Documents
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago provided a reimbursement of $147,899 for preliminary design plans created by the Lake County Forest Preserves for the reservoir expansion project at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove. The Forest Preserves will use the reimbursement funds for future Capital Improvement Plan projects.

Connecting Trails: Nippersink Forest Preserve
Previously a seasonal retreat for camping and recreational vehicles, this preserve is now a year-round haven for people and wildlife. Visitors enjoy trails, picnicking, birdwatching, and nature observation. Century-old oak trees that rise above two scenic lakes, woodlands, wetlands and marshes offer plentiful habitat for wildlife. Extensive shoreline restoration efforts and improved fish habitats make Nippersink a great place to fish. Anglers can fish from shore or from two wheelchair accessible fishing piers.

The Lake County Division of Transportation is constructing a new multi-use path along Cedar Lake Road that will connect existing trails at Nippersink to the new path. This trail connection is part of LCDOT's project to reconstruct Cedar Lake Road from Route 120 to Nippersink Road. Completion of the entire project is expected by the end of 2018. View closure map. Learn more

Lake County Board Approves Sustainability Contract 
Lake County is committed to promoting a sustainable environment, and we have several initiatives and projects underway to make progress toward this strategic goal and core value. Recently, the Lake County Board approved a contract with a professional consulting firm that provides expertise in sustainability that will help advance specific tasks over the next year. They include: grant opportunities, energy audits for selected County facilities, a waste reduction program/food scrap collection (composting) pilot program at the Lake County Jail, and completion of a baseline carbon footprint for Lake County. Visit our Sustainable Lake County website to find out ways you can help promote sustainability! 

Lake County’s Dirty Jobs: Working to Improve Water Quality
Did you know Lake County roadways have storm sewer vortexes that act as filters for road grime, oil and other debris and help improve water quality? Watch our latest Lake County’s Dirty Jobs as County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor cleans out a vortex structure using a sewer truck on Old McHenry Road, east of Quentin Road.

Lake County Working to Improve Air Quality
Did you know that roundabouts, bike paths and smart traffic signals not only can help lead to less traffic and better fuel consumption but also help improve air quality? Watch this video as representatives from the Lake County Division of Transportation explain how.

Donate Your Eclipse Glasses
Do you still have the glasses you used to view the solar eclipse? Don’t throw them away! Bring glasses to one of four locations across Lake County now through Nov. 11 as the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is working with Astronomers Without Borders to bring these glasses and provide a first-hand science experience for schools in developing countries. Please do not donate scratched, broken or torn glasses.

Lake County Increases Minimum Legal Sales Age for Tobacco Products to 21 in Unincorporated Areas
The County Board has approved an ordinance to increase the minimum legal sales age to purchase tobacco products to 21 in unincorporated Lake County, effective January 1, 2018. Lake County is the first county in Illinois to raise the minimum legal sales age to 21 in unincorporated areas. To date, five Lake County communities including Deerfield, Highland Park, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, and Buffalo Grove are among 11 municipalities in the state of Illinois to adopt Tobacco 21 ordinances. 

Following the recent board's action, County Board Member Steve Carlson spoke about what this ordinance can do to help protect the health of the County's youth. Watch now.

Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States and is responsible for 480,000 deaths annually. In Illinois, 6,300 youth become new daily smokers each year. The Lake County Health Department provides FREE one-on-one and group counseling with a certified tobacco treatment specialist for adults looking to quit smoking or other their tobacco use. Learn more

Be the Voice to Stop Suicide
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth ages 15 to 24 nationwide. By understanding and knowing the warning signs, we can bring hope to those affected by suicide and change the conversation.  

Lake County is committed to helping its residents maintain their mental health and well-being, creating the Mental Health Coalition in 2016 to address the mental health crisis. Those needing crisis care and mental health assistance can use the following services 24/7.

• Individuals can speak anonymously to counselors 24 hours a day and get help by contacting the crisis call center at 847-377-8088. Information and referrals to Lake County Health Department programs are available.

• Text-A-Tip is a 24/7 anonymous text-communication system for youth needing immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend. Download the Lake County Help app, available at the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Within the app, select the 24-7 Text-A-Tip hotline where you will send a message to a dedicated number and receive an immediate response from a licensed clinician while remaining anonymous. 

Individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations impacted by the July 2017 flooding in Lake County may be eligible for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to apply for Physical Damage loans, such as loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, is Oct. 17, 2017. The deadline to apply for Economic Injury loans, such as loans to assist small businesses and non-profits through the recovery period, is May 16, 2018. For more information on eligibility, loan amounts, and other requirements, please view this SBA Fact Sheet. If the governor's request for a Federal Disaster Declaration is approved, other resources may become available for Lake County residents and businesses.

For more information, contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

This summer, Lake County experienced record flooding resulting in flood damage to many homes. The Stormwater Management Commission is hosting a Floodproofing Expo and Workshop for homeowners and property owners to learn about products, services, and solutions to minimize flood damages to your properties. The event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Libertyville Sports Complex. Explore exhibitor tables, and listen to presentations, where you can learn about how drainage systems work and ask questions about anything from flood insurance to best practices for flood damage protection. The event is free. Learn more

The recent Lake County flooding and hurricanes impacting many parts of the country all remind us of the importance of coming together as a family and community to prepare. As we observe National Preparedness Month this month, learn tips to help you prepare.

Lake County also has a variety of resources to help you prepare for an emergency. Alert Lake County is your emergency preparedness resource, and watch this video for tips to get emergency alerts. 

College students and their parents can get help applying for college financial aid by attending a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop offered now through February 2018 at locations across Lake County. View the full schedule in English and Spanish. At these free workshops, staff will help you complete and file your FAFSA online. The FAFSA must be filled out for students to be considered for state and federal financial aid, and many colleges and universities rely on FAFSA data to determine eligibility for the institution’s own financial aid funds.  Learn more, including what documents to bring to the session.

Find Workshops, Job Events at Job Center of Lake County
Are you seeking employment?  Transitioning careers?  The Job Center of Lake County offers a variety of workshops and job events each month to help you learn job search techniques and other resources to land your next job. View the schedule of workshops and events that will be offered through October.

Join Reserve Deputy Unit 
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for reserve deputies. The Reserve Deputy Unit members assist other Lake County Sheriff’s Office Divisions and municipal police departments in times of natural and man-made emergencies or disasters. The unit also provides traffic and crowd control, searches for missing persons, aids in crime scene evidence searches, DUI checkpoints, and participates in many other Lake County events. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen and a high school graduate or equivalent. Applications are available online and at the Lake County Sheriff's Office in Waukegan. Applications are due by Oct. 20.  

Lake County is Hiring!
Lake County government offers career opportunities that cover a wide spectrum of fields including law, law enforcement, corrections, nursing, finance and budgeting, highway maintenance, and more. View the current job opportunities available. 

Veterans are invited to share their stories of wartime experiences on Nov. 10 at the Lake County Courthouse. The veterans’ interviews will be recorded and transcribed by official court reporters and then archived at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project. Civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts are also invited to share their stories. Any veteran interested in being interviewed or anyone interested in volunteering to assist in this project is asked to register by Oct. 23 by calling Lorena Hernandez at 847-377-3771. Learn more

Veteran's Coat Drive
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Veteran’s Assistance Commission, several local law enforcement agencies and many local high schools to collect coats and outerwear for the Lake County Law Enforcement Veteran's Coat Drive. Donations will be taken now through Nov. 8 at County offices and at police departments throughout Lake County. View donation locations. The donated items will be delivered to Midwest Veterans Closet. 

‘Live PD’ Visits Lake County
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in the A&E Network’s “Live PD” show, which followed Sheriff’s deputies as they gave an inside look at the many responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office and the calls deputies respond. Watch this video to learn more about how the Sheriff’s Office helps keep Lake County safe.

From connecting with friends on social networks to managing finances, there is a convenience to going online, but these benefits can come with risks. There are simple steps that everyone can take to stay safe online. Below are some tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Use complex passwords with a combination of numbers, symbols and letters.
• Keep a clean machine by updating security software, your operating system and web browser on all Internet-connected devices.
• When in doubt, throw it out. Links in emails and online posts can help cyber criminals compromise your computer.
• Limit the amount of personal information you share online, and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely
• More Tips

The Kids’ Korner at the Lake County Courthouse recently marked a milestone, caring for 50,000 children. The Kids’ Korner provides a safe and fun waiting area for children who are visiting the courthouse to testify or whose parents or guardians are conducting court business. Watch this video to learn more.

The hours of operation for receiving walk-in applications at the permit counter at the Lake County Central Permit Facility have changed and will now be from  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This change applies to all walk-in permit applications for the Health Department, Planning, Building and Development, Public Works, the Division of Transportation, and the Stormwater Management Commission. The Central Permit Facility, however, will be open at 7:30 a.m. and will close at 4:30 p.m., so residents can still drop off applications or paperwork if the permit counter is not staffed. 

The implementation of a new County-wide permitting system has expanded the number and types of permit applications that customers can submit online, reducing the need for people to visit our permit counter. Customers can now create an account to submit and pay for many permit applications electronically and review the status of their applications and inspections online. We analyzed traffic at our public counters and found that less than 5% of permit applications take place before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.  Adjusting the hours slightly will allow us to staff our public counters more efficiently, while still meeting the needs of our Lake County customers. For information, please visit the Planning, Building and Development website.

Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins
Lake County Public Works has begun its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program. After hydrant flushing, customers may notice a slight discoloration of the water. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing to avoid clothes to be stained. 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

Lake County is delivering on its mission and values of operational excellence and transparency, and toward that goal, the County is being recognized for its outstanding communications achievements with three national awards. The County’s website (www.lakecountyil.gov) received a first place Savvy Award from the City, County Communications and Marketing Association (known as 3CMA) —the top award for overall website among local governments in the U.S.  The “Meet Mitch and Hitch” video also took home the first-place Savvy award for promotional video. This video features the State’s Attorney’s Office’s two facility dogs and showcases the meaningful work they do. Finally, for the “Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent” category, the “Vote Like A Couch Potato” marketing campaign won a first place Savvy.  3CMA received nearly 700 entries in various categories, and 3CMA volunteer judges from across the country reviewed entries and selected winners.