Hello Neighbors
As always, this semi-monthly newsletter has updates, important news that may impact you directly, leisure/fun activities and links to valuable resources in our communities.
For the past 18 months or more, the Forest Preserve staff members, especially Executive Director Ty Kovach, have worked to determine the possibility of placing a cell tower at Countryside Golf Club. This process began when a group of residents approached Ty and me with a request to locate the potential tower at the golf course. The process ended several weeks after residents provided input at an open house sponsored by the cell tower company. This past Monday, Ty reported on 95% negative resident comments gathered via the open house, an online survey and comments. I spoke against the tower because the entire process allowed the Lake County Forest Preserves District committee to make an informed decision with data and insights. Each case is different and is considered on its merits. Read this news article for more information.
Please take note of the opportunity to prepay property taxes that are due next year. I intend to discuss this with the tax professional who prepares my personal income taxes.
We've seen flurries recently and can expect the real winter weather, with cold and snow, to settle in soon. With that in mind, please take a few moments to read the article on winter safety. And then, let's all follow through on this expert advice.
There is much information below from the Lake County Forest Preserves District. You can find various fun and educational activities and opportunities. Of special interest, is the new trail connection over the rail tracks in Mettawa. It's an outstanding improvement, which is the result of extensive public and private collaboration.
In District 10, we have great open spaces, especially the Lakewood and Ray Lake Forest Preserves. These areas are studied periodically by scientists on the ground and in helicopters. In the process, those experts determine the health and balance of the natural environment. One result yielded data indicating that these preserves (and others) have become overpopulated by deer. View this brochure for more information on deer population management.
If you are new to my newsletter, welcome. I hope that you and all readers find this to be informative, interesting and a reminder to contact me via phone or email with suggestions, questions and concerns. Please encourage your friends to subscribe so they can receive the same information. I am in this role by your choice to serve you.
Regards,
 The Middlefork Bridge
and Trail Connection is now open. The new bridge connects 4.5 miles of trails
at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve in Lake Forest to the Lake
Forest Academy and Townline Community Park and provides trail users a safe
passage over the Metra Railway. Other new elements include a scenic overlook
and crosswalk improvements at the intersection of IL Route 60 and Academy
Drive. This project is part of a larger effort by several organizations to
connect Middlefork Savanna and the Middlefork Trail and Greenway to the
Des Plaines River Trail at MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa. We are
pleased to have worked 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. View
Map.
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Illinois has nearly 7,000 local governmental entities -- more than any other state. Lake County has
more than 200 local government units and the County Board is taking steps to
consolidate or dissolve those districts (that it has control over) in order to
enhance efficiency, accountability, and cost-savings. Chairman Aaron Lawlor
explains in this video, and learn
more by reading the Consolidation
Action Plan. |
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Lake County property owners can make a pre-payment for
the 2017 tax year to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office through Dec. 29. This could benefit you when
filing your 2017 income taxes. Visit the Treasurer’s
Office website to learn more.
 Start Your Job Search the
Right Way
Are you launching a new career in the new year? Learn some of the hottest
growing fields in Lake County and how the world of work is changing at a
workshop, “Career Trends for 2018.” The program will run from 10 a.m. to noon
Dec. 27 at the Job Center of Lake County. Reservations are recommended. Learn more
Engineering
Internship and Job Fair
Don’t miss a unique chance to interview with Lake
County’s top employers in engineering, med-tech, automation, biopharma, precision
manufacturing and more at the Lake County Engineering Internship and Job Fair.
The fair will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 5 at the College of Lake County. Learn more
Zion Job Fair
Bring your resume and dress for
success as the Job Center of Lake County holds a job fair from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. Jan. 18 at the Zion Benton Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave. A total of 20
employers are expected to attend. Learn more
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December is here!
SNOW SEASON is upon us!
Have you ever
wondered what it looks like from behind the wheel of a snow plow? Watch this
video taken from a dashboard camera last winter, and learn more
about our operations as the plow clears Lake County highways. Which roads do we
maintain? Map of LCDOT Snow Routes.
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 Lake County PASSAGE: View camera
images from major intersections
Did you know that you can look in on the road conditions from your computer
or mobile device before you hit the roads? You have access to the PASSAGE
cameras which means you can look at real-time snapshots from major intersection,
like this image taken last winter. Go to LakeCountyPASSAGE.com, turn on camera
images in “Layer Options” at the top right, find intersections along your
route, and check road conditions in each direction.
Other resources:
LCDOT
Snow Season Story Map: This
interactive mapping tool explains everything you need to know about our snow
and ice removal operations.
Don’t
Crowd the Plow: Watch this to learn valuable safety tips. Give plow
drivers space to do their jobs, and we can all get to our destinations
safely.
Ask
A Snow Plow Driver: You asked your questions, and our plow drivers
answered! Hear directly from them about what they see on the roads, and the
challenges they face when clearing the roads for you. If you have additional
questions, you can submit them here: Ask
A Snow Plow Driver.
Build an emergency kit for your vehicle
You may have an emergency supplies kit for your home, but
what about your vehicle? Make sure to keep a shovel, blankets, booster cables,
and these other items in your
car this winter.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 2018 Summer Camps
Registration for our 2018 camp season is now open.
Early bird discounts are available through February 15, 2018. Programs
fill quickly so enroll early. Register online or call 847-968-3321.
2018
Annual Permits
Annual permits for dog parks, horse trails and more are now on sale.
Find information and purchase permits online or call 847–367–6640.
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Give the Gift of Golf
Golf gift cards are the perfect gift for the golfer on
your list, good for green fees, carts, and pro shop items at any of our three
courses. Buy online or call 847-968-3102, anytime, or visit our General Offices
in Libertyville now through Feb. 28.
Holiday Bonus: Receive a $10 bonus voucher for every $100 in gift cards
purchased by Dec. 31.
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The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission recently
hosted the 2017 Homeowners Floodproofing Expo and Workshop, a great opportunity
for homeowners and property owners to learn about products, services, and
solutions to minimize flood damages to homes and properties. If you couldn't
attend the workshop, don't worry! Check
out this video to learn more, and connect
with additional flooding resources and information. |
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Visit Santa's Cottage in Mundelein
The Village of
Mundelein’s Santa’s Cottage will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and again Dec. 16 at the Mundelein Village Hall, 300 Plaza Circle. For information, call
Mundelein Community Connection at 847-970-9235.
Enjoy a free holiday movie in Hawthorn Woods
Join Hawthorn Woods' Movie in the Barn on Friday, Dec. 8. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie will start at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more
Wauconda Holiday Tree Pickup
Waste Management will conduct holiday tree pickup in the Village of Wauconda during the weeks of Jan. 8 and Jan. 15. Please put your tree at the curb with your normal weekly refuse. All lights and decorations must be removed.
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