Every two weeks, I try to point to some special news of importance, interest or just plain fun. You'll find a number of articles below with news driven by the onset of spring. Look for important news about Metra and Lake County's busy road construction season. Try to be patient. Recall that the pain lasts for weeks or months (sometimes more), and the improvements last for decades and generations.
You'll find tips about job hunting skills and summer job openings targeted at teens and older. Consider the health articles: prediabetes testing, fishing, nature hikes and water sports (permits now, activity later).
Check out the Community News below for just a sampling of events in villages, parks and libraries. Use the box full of links to get all the latest local news and events. There is so much to do for all ages, and the opportunities are all around us.
Within the past few weeks, we visited the new Dunn Museum - along with hundreds more who joined in the grand opening weekend. I hope you will plan a visit; this truly is an added treasure. Arrive Curious - Leave Inspired.
Get an overview of the State of the County in the video immediately below. Thanks to my Board colleagues, the elected officials and their offices and all Lake County staff members for committing to serve you, driven by our county-wide vision.
As always, please call or email me with your questions, concerns and suggestions.
Regards,
The state
of Lake County is strong. The Lake County Board continues to
deliver on its mission of providing exceptional, financially sustainable
services that promote a safe, healthy and economically strong Lake
County.
This State
of the County video, provides a
look at the progress we are making to advance our strategic goals and
looks ahead at the priorities for this year.
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The more than 20,000 Lake County taxpayers who
prepaid their property taxes last December are allowed to deduct
their prepaid property taxes on their 2017 federal tax return, according to a
statement from the U.S. Treasury Department. Find
out more.
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is
gearing up for a busy road construction season. In 2018, Lake County will have
nearly $100 million in road projects under construction, including 30 new
projects such as the Quentin Road widening project near Lake Zurich and the
intersection improvement and reconstruction of Old McHenry Road in Long Grove.
There will also be several resurfacing projects, culvert replacements, signal
modernizations, and enhancements to the non-motorized network.
View the Interactive
Construction Map to find a project you are interested in and connect to the
latest information and important updates.
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After
spending more than a year relocating its vast historic collections and building
brand-new exhibitions from scratch, the Lake County Forest Preserves announces the opening
of the new Bess Bower
Dunn Museum of Lake County, in Libertyville. Dedicated to sharing the
entwined stories of people, events and nature, the Dunn Museum provides a
chronological walk through Lake County’s history from prehistoric times to the
present and invites visitors to explore the land where it happened.
The Dunn Museum uses a balance
of authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, reproductions and audiovisual
displays. Permanent exhibitions include
Prehistoric Lake County, The First People, An American Frontier, Innovations
and Preservation and Woodland Theater. A Special Exhibition Gallery will host
temporary exhibitions, traveling exhibitions and staff-curated exhibitions
on topics touching on art, history and popular culture. Each gallery includes
an interactive touch screen that directs visitors to different forest preserves
to see firsthand where history took place. Galleries also include fun
animations narrated by Bill Kurtis, Chicago’s legendary television journalist,
that tell stories about Lake County’s past. Visit the Dunn Museum today.
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Learn about careers
in information technology, engineering, professional services and healthcare at
a Multi-Industry Job Fair from 3 to 7 p.m. April 17 at the University Center of
Lake County in Grayslake. There will be
over 25 employers offering onsite interviews to potential candidates. Learn more
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A major tie replacement project between
Libertyville and Fox Lake will impact midday and weekend service on Metra’s
Milwaukee District North Line during the month of April, including a shutdown
of the line north of Lake Forest for three weekends. Learn more
Metra's North Central Service may be of help. Find stations and schedules here.
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Did you know 84 million Americans have prediabetes, and you
might be one of them? Prediabetes means you’re at risk for developing type 2
diabetes. Find
out if you’re at risk by taking the test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. As you can see, It
takes only a minute!
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Forest Preserve News
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Rx for Health: Walking in Nature
Join
a health professional and an educator on April 7 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Hastings Lake for a walk to explore the preserve as we improve
our health. We begin gathering at 3:45 p.m. for a prompt departure. Out of
respect for all program participants, please leave pets at home. Service
animals are permitted. We will walk approximately two miles. This event is
free. No registration is required. Adult supervision is required. Meet at the
playground parking lot. Additional Rx for Health walks
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Rainbow Trout Season Opens April 7
Lakewood Forest
Preserve in Wauconda opens for rainbow trout fishing
on Saturday, April 7, following the release of trout in Banana Lake. Most of
the trout range in size from three-quarters to one pound. The trout stocking is
a biannual fall and spring event at the 3.2-acre Banana Lake. Daily creel limit
is five. The deepest point in Banana Lake is 25 feet. Learn more
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Independence Grove Beach Season Passes
Get unlimited access to the swimming beach at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, -- including participation in Family Fun Friday
games and prizes –– with the purchase of a 2018 beach season pass now on sale
to Lake County residents. The pass allows holders unlimited use of
the 400-foot sand beach that runs
along the South Bay of Independence Grove's 115-acre lake. Purchase yours today!
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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.
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Lake County Public Works is responsible for the operation,
maintenance, repair and replacement of 12 separate water systems in Lake
County. What happens when we detect a water main leak or break? Watch this video
and learn how our crews work around the clock and in any kind of weather to
restore service as quickly as possible for our customers.
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Twelve Lake County students recently competed in
the Lake County Final Spelling Bee Competition. Sharanya Pastapur, an
eighth-grader at Lake Zurich Middle School North, and Anmol Dash, an
eighth-grader at Daniel Wright Jr. High School, were declared co-winners after
competing for more than 30 rounds! Both competitors will travel to Washington
D.C. to compete in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. Watch this video to learn more, and view all this year’s Lake County competitors.
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Mundelein Park District Opens Dunbar Recreation Center Enjoy a free day of play for the family as the Mundelein Park District celebrates the opening of the Dunbar Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Enjoy a bounce house, crafts, face painting and more. Learn more
Mobile DMV Event at Fremont Township Renew your driver's license, obtain or renew a state ID, purchase license plate stickers and more as the Illinois Secretary of State holds a mobile DMV event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at the Fremont Township Administrative Office. Learn more
Recycle More/Better! at the Ela Library Test your recycling knowledge at a free workshop, open to all ages, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 17 at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Get your questions answered on what can be recycled curbside and where you can take items to be recycled properly elsewhere.
Long Grove Fests Galore...and More! Famous for its historic one-lane covered bridge and country village center, Long Grove is an area destination, especially during one of the many festivals. Look here for details today. Stay up-to-date with the links below.
Hawthorn Woods' Special Events Schedule The next event, April 7, is Bark in the Park with an enclosed pet play area and all things dog. Learn more about all special events here and via the link below.
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