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December 15, 2017
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Dear Neighbors,
As 2017 comes to a close, we can look back on a number of
accomplishments as well as exciting new projects for the coming years.
At our December Board meeting, the Forest
Preserve commissioners approved changing our fiscal year from a July 1 start to
a January 1 start. This means we will be
working on an 18-month budget this spring.
I am very excited about this initiative, which I have worked on for a
number of years. This change will
streamline the work of a number of departments as well as smooth out our
financial projections. At the same
meeting, we approved agreements with the Illinois and the Wisconsin Departments
of Natural resources for the restoration of the Chiwaukee Illinois Beach Lake
Plain Habitat.
2018 is the Bicentennial
of Illinois. It’s appropriate that our
Bess Bower Dunn Lake County History Museum will be opening this year at the
Forest Preserve General Offices. Read
more below. (I’ve had a sneak preview of the exhibits and they are really
wonderful).
In 2009-10, the County
conducted a Non-Motorized Travel Study to identify priority gaps for
pedestrians along County highways. Since
then, we have been working to fill in those gaps, making pedestrian and bike
traffic safer. The latest project to be addressed will be on Aptakisic Road. At the
December Board meeting, we approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with
the Wisconsin Central Railroad Limited and appropriated $620,000 of the 1/4%
Sales Tax for Transportation for the reconstruction of a railroad crossing,
installation of pedestrian signals and construction of a sidewalk along Aptakisic
Road.
As I have mentioned in past newsletters, manufacturing plays
a large role in the Lake County economy. The latest Lake County Partners update reported
that Lake County’s exports have increased 15% over the past four years; Lake
County now has more exports per capita than any other metro Chicago county.
Finally, we know it is only a matter of time until we get a
big snowstorm, so please watch the Lake County DOT video below and learn about
our snow routes.
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. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 21.
Also, make sure to like my Facebook page where you can get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 21. Remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!
Ann
Ann B. Maine amaine@lakecountyil.gov 847-857-1732 Lake County Board, District 21 President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
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.
Forest Preserves News
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New Museum Opens March 24,
2018
We’re entering the final phase of construction and the
installation of exhibitions at the new Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County,
set to open to the public on March 24, 2018. The new Collections Care and
Storage Facility in the lower level of the Dunn Museum is complete. It offers
stable environmental conditions suitable for protecting the Museum’s
irreplaceable historic collections. To date we have moved the entire Lake
County History Archives and a significant portion of the object collections.
Work will continue over the coming months to complete the move.
The Lake County History Archives
includes a new public research center, which is almost
complete. Installation of a commissioned life-sized Dryptosaurus dinosaur
is also nearly complete. With guidance from Native American tribe members on
authenticity, the build-out of the wigwam is moving along. The wigwam will serve
as an in-gallery teaching space for programs and an interactive space for
visitors. Learn more
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Middlefork Bridge and
Trail Connection Now Open
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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Join the Preservation Foundation Carol and Ed’s home is surrounded
on three sides by a beautiful forest preserve. Appreciation for their Forest
Preserve neighbor and a life-long love of nature led Carol and Ed to support
the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves in their will. If you are grateful for all the Lake County
Forest Preserves provide, consider making a planned gift through your will or
estate.
There are many ways to leave a
legacy, including gifts of cash, land, a vacation home, or life insurance.
Whatever you choose, the impact of your gift will live on for years to
come. Carol and Ed are extending the impact of their legacy gift by
joining the Preservation Society. Why join them? Because we want to acknowledge
your gift and celebrate your commitment to the Lake County Forest Preserves.
Also, allowing us to recognize you in our publications lets others know that
the Forest Preserve mission is worth your investment. For more information
or to become an inaugural member of the Preservation Society, contact Ellen at 847-968-3448.
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Special Feature: Science in
the Preserves
Finding eight common garter snakes under your first cover board of
the day is a good start for John Vanek and wildlife technicians Katherine
Waguespack and Elizabeth Mullen. “The technicians write down where we are,”
said Vanek, a graduate research assistant completing his Ph.D. in the
Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University. “They record
surrounding habitat conditions, such as the height of the vegetation and the
amount of shading. Those variables help us figure out why snakes and other
species are in one place and not another.”
For his dissertation, Vanek is
working with Forest Preserve wildlife biologists, Gary Glowacki and Andrew Rutter,
to study how habitat restoration and other factors affect animals in the
preserves. “We are at an exciting point where our data can tell us how wildlife
responds to the way we restore and manage our land,” Glowacki said. “This will
allow us to more effectively manage our natural areas and better conserve
biodiversity.”
Vanek is also analyzing our
wildlife monitoring program, drawing on the accumulated knowledge of our
Natural Resources Department. “One of the most important facets of the
wildlife monitoring program is diversifying our sampling methodologies,” said
Rutter. “Different species call for different sampling techniques, which we
employ in an attempt to confirm the presence, abundance, and diversity of
wildlife on our lands.” By the end of his three-year tenure, Vanek will
have sifted through a decade worth of data containing more than 180,000
records, identifying trends and ways to improve our restoration actions. Learn more
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Golf Gift Card For
the golfer in your life, give a Golf Gift Card.
Purchase before Dec. 31 and you will receive a $10 gift card for
each $100 purchase. Learn more
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Enjoy nature? Want to learn something new? Visit our Nature Blog, 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 also view a full calendar of Forest Preserve events for more information.
The Illinois State Treasurer is holding $2.5 billion in unclaimed funds
for Illinois residents. The State holds these lost funds until they are claimed
by either the original owner or their heirs. Property is returned at no cost
with the proper identification. Find out if you have
unclaimed funds.
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I and fellow members of the Lake County Board recently hosted an Illinois Bicentennial Flag ceremony to kick off the yearlong statewide bicentennial celebration, which honors the many ways that Illinois has influenced American history, achievement, culture, and innovation. View the Illinois Bicentennial Flag, which will be displayed in the courthouse lobby until Illinois' 200th birthday on Dec. 3, 2018. Be a part of the Bicentennial celebration by visiting the web site illinois200.com.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Lake County residents working with youth in a variety of settings such as schools, medical facilities, social services, and youth groups, are encouraged to attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
This session will provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and support adolescents ages 12 to 18 who are at risk, display warning signs of mental health problems or substance abuse or are experiencing a mental health crisis. With nearly one in five youth suffering from mental health problems at some time during adolescence, it is important to have trained members in the community.
The Lake County Health Department is offering the next training session at 3010 Grand Ave, Waukegan from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 9. Advance registration is required. Register now.
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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 intersections,
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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Transportation Links:
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
The Lake County Board
recently thanked more than 300 people who serve on various County Board
appointed boards, commissions, and other special purpose units of government.
This ranges from drainage and fire districts to the transportation service
boards, human services boards and the Board of Review. These dedicated
volunteers make decisions and deliver services that our families and businesses
depend on every day. Watch
this video to see more from this event.
There are
opportunities for residents to serve their communities in an appointed
leadership role. Those interested are encouraged to view the County
Board's website.
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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
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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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Lake
County Public Works operates 35 active wells. To make sure customers have
a safe and reliable water source, we invest $125,000 per year to maintain and
preserve these wells. Routine maintenance ensures the pumps run efficiently and
water is delivered safely to our communities. This year, maintenance was
performed on wells in the following systems: Mill Creek, Oak Terrace, Brooks
Farm, Countryside Lake, and Pekara. Learn
more about the water distribution systems
operated and maintained by Lake County Public Works.
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Enriching Life at Brushwood Center Stop by the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods in Deerfield and view a lovely nature
themed art exhibit. Through Dec. 23, Enriching Life at Brushwood Center
features the work of artist Heeyoung Kim and her students.
Upcoming Offerings at Your Public Library The Lake Forest Public Library also offers a number of fun events, including a Holiday Magic
Show at 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 17. The Poetry Club also will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec 18. Find out more about these and other
events.
Join the Vernon Area Public Library's Games for Grown-ups for an afternoon of fun from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 17, Jan. 7 and 21 and Feb. 25. Open to high-schoolers and above. No registration is required. But RSVP is appreciated. Find out what programs are available.
Join Holiday Luncheon The Green Oaks Libertyville Mundelein Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce's Annual Holiday Luncheon will take place Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the White
Deer Run Golf Course in Vernon Hills. Learn more
Discover Bike Art Enjoy Bike Art, sponsored by MainStreet Libertyville. The bikes decorated by local artists will be on display until Dec. 25.
Check Out Our Local Park Districts The Deerfield Park District is always busy. They are hiring seasonal employees. Upcoming programs include a winter break theater camp as well as ceramic workshops. See all they have to offer!
The Grayslake Park District also offers a number of additional programs over the holiday vacation. See the calendar for an entire list of activities.
Visit Lake County Family and friends in for the holidays? You can always find something to do by
checking out Visit Lake County.
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