Senior citizen assessment freeze outreach session, Job news, and More

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March 16, 2018

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Video Takes Closer Look at Recent County Board Actions

County Board Wrap-Up 2018

Fast-track permitting, regional 911 consolidation, and bond refinancing are examples of recent Lake County Board actions that demonstrate the Board's continued commitment to delivering exceptional, financially sustainable services.  Learn more in this five-minute County Board Wrap-Up video.


2018 Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award

Snow and Ice Control Award

Lake County recently received the 2018 Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA). The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is proud to accept this award of national recognition for bringing an innovative, safe, and environmentally friendly snow and ice control program to the residents of Lake County. More information.

In addition to the work LCDOT is doing, the Stormwater Management Commission and the Lake County Health Department support the snow and ice control program through training, river monitoring, researching best practices and providing educational opportunities to our regional partners. Learn more about LCDOT Snow Operations.


March 20 Primary Election News

The March 20 Primary Election is fast approaching. As a reminder, here are three ways to vote in the upcoming election: 

Prefer vote mail

Vote from the Comfort of Your Home
The deadline to request a vote by mail ballot has passed. If you received a vote by mail ballot, completed ballots must be postmarked by midnight on Election Day. Log on to LakeVoterPower.info to see if the clerk’s office received your voted ballot.

Prefer vote early

Early Voting
Vote and register at any early voting site regardless of where you live in Lake County. Early voting will be available until March 19. Grace voter registration is available at all sites. Hours and dates vary at the 15 different locations. Find early voting sites.

Prefer vote matters

Election Day
Those choosing to vote on Election Day must go to their assigned polling location. Voters can find their polling location by using this Polling Place Locator. Grace voter registration also will be available in all precinct voting sites on Election Day and at the County Clerk’s Office in Waukegan. 

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March 20 Primary Election Website
Voters can find all the information they need on the March 20 Primary Election website. Watch this video as Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff explains all you can find on the website, including how to preview your personalized ballot. 


Your One-Stop Shop to Get Your Passport

passports

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to start making vacation plans! If travel plans will bring you outside the country, the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office in Waukegan can serve as your one-stop shop to apply for or renew your passport. No appointment is required. You can even get your passport photo taken. Learn about the passport services provided.


New Dunn Museum in Libertyville Opens March 24

Dunn Museum open

Arrive curious and leave inspired when you visit the new Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Come to the free grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24 to meet our Dryptosaurus dinosaur and paleoartist Tyler Keillor who created her. Explore exhibitions on your own or take a guided tour, enjoy drop-in activities, and stroll through the gift shop. The Dunn Museum is on Winchester Road between Route 45 and Butterfield Road in Libertyville. Learn more

Celebrate the new Dunn Museum with a week of special events, free with general admission. Event details


Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application Outreach Sessions

Attention seniors! Receive assistance filling out the 2018 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application at an upcoming outreach session. View Upcoming Outreach Sessions and Qualifications.

The Senior Freeze provides eligible seniors (based on income levels) protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property values as this exemption “freezes” your home’s equalized assessed value at a base year value. The base year is generally the year before you first qualify and apply for the exemption. For example, if you first qualify and apply in 2018, your property’s equalized assessed value will be “frozen” at the 2017 equalized assessed value. Please note that this exemption is not a tax freeze or a tax reduction and does not protect against increased taxes due to tax rate increases.


Get Your Pet Vaccinated. Spring Clinics Start Soon

pets

Make sure your pets are up to date with shots and rabies tags! The Lake County Health Department will offer spring pet vaccination clinics starting March 31 at locations across the county. View the spring clinic schedule.


Are You Prepared for Severe Weather?

As Illinois recognizes Severe Weather Preparedness Month through March, take time to learn how to prepare for severe weather emergencies. Here are ways you can prepare.

Weather tips play button

Alert Lake County is your emergency preparedness resource. Find out how you and your family can be prepared for emergencies, and watch this video for tips to get emergency alerts.

car

View a map of road conditions and events and see camera images of major intersections at www.lakecountypassage.com. iPhone and Android users can also download the PASSAGE app.

Emergency Kit

Have an emergency supply kit for your house, vehicle and place of work so you have basic survival items needed during an emergency. Prepare your emergency kit

House revised

Preparing for a flood now will increase your safety and can possibly minimize potential flood damage. As Lake County observes Flood Awareness Week, check out these tips so you’re prepared.

Take the Quiz! Win a Weather Alert Radio
Test your knowledge by taking an online quiz, and get a chance to win one of 100 weather alert radios as part of the “Weather Alert Radios Save Lives” contest, which runs through March 31.


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Forest Preserve News

2018 maple syrup hikes

Maple Syrup Hikes
Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production, and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Everyone gets a taste. The program also is available as a school or scout field trip. Call 847-968-3321. Hikes start every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. March 24 and 25 at Ryerson Woods. Learn more

LCFPD volunteers

Volunteer
Are you seeking to expand your knowledge, meet new people and make a difference? The Lake County Forest Preserves has a variety of volunteer opportunities — both indoors and out — that can help you reach those goals. View volunteer opportunities.


Community News

Mia Hernandez

Good Luck to Mia!
Thomas Jefferson Middle School seventh-grader Mia Hernandez has qualified to compete at the Lake County Final Spelling Bee, which will be March 15 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. Mia qualified by winning her school's competition and then finishing in the top four at the regional spelling bee last month. This is the third year Mia has qualified for the county bee. The winner of the county competition will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete against the top spellers in the country.

Waukegan Schools Job Fair
The Waukegan Public Schools will hold a job fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 17 at Miguel Juarez Middle School. Learn more

Waukegan Housing Authority Seeks Applicants
The Waukegan Housing Authority is seeking applicants for a property manager. Visit the housing authority's website to learn more.


Mary Ross Cunningham

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@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 “Newsletter Sign Up" button at the top of the newsletter.

Thank you,
Mary Ross Cunningham


Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:

Lake County Board, 9th District:
Diversity and Inclusion Committee, (Ad-Hoc), Chair
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee, Chair 
Lake County Health and Community Services 
Lake County Rules Committee, vice chair 
Lake County Government Reform Implementation Committee

Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District: 
Operations Committee, Vice Chair
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee
Gospelfest Committee, chair

Other appointed positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo), Board Representative
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, secretary
Lake County Board of Health Personnel Committee, Chair
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member
Lake County Domestic Violence Council
Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee
Waukegan High School Advisory Board
Lake County Veterans Advisory Board 

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