If you are like me you are enjoying the warm weather. I almost have my garden fully planted! There is a lot of things happening in Lake County and around our district. I look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming community events.
Together we can make sure that Lake County remains a wonderful place to call home.
Respectfully,
Tom Weber
Page Turners Grades 7 – 12 Sunday, May 20 • 2 – 3pm One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus Read the book, come discuss what you liked (or didn’t!), and have some snacks. Copies of each title are available at the Circulation Desk. Please register.
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Finals Café Monday, May 21 • 5 – 8pm, Tuesday, May 22 • 3 – 7pm, and Wednesday, May 23 • 3 – 7pm Looking for a place to study and unwind? Join us at Finals Café! There will be places to study with friends and food. See the event calendar at www.lvdl.org for daily activities! No registration required. Grades 7 – 12.
We often get asked – what does the County do? The
Lake County Board makes policy and budget decisions each month that touches
many areas, from the roads we drive on every day and healthcare programs that
contribute to the health and wellness of our residents and communities, to
public safety and judicial agencies that work 24/7 to keep your family safe.
You're invited to join one of our upcoming Telephone
Town Hall meetings on June 6
and 20 at 7 p.m. During the Telephone Town Halls, Lake County Board
Chairman Aaron Lawlor will discuss our current priorities, and you will be able
to share your thoughts and ideas to make Lake County a better place. If you would like to take part in this
event, make sure to sign up
to receive a call!
The first installment of Lake County property taxes is due June 6.
Please note, the taxes due on property tax bills WILL reflect
pre-payments. Bills will show the total calculated taxes due for the year, the
amount prepaid, and the remaining amount due, if any. Find out more,
including how you can view your current property tax payment status, see the
property tax payment options available and view how your property taxes are
distributed.
The Illinois Brass Band returns to perform a program of marches, patriotic music and popular music. The performance will take place rain or shine. The concert will take place on the outdoor stage on the east side of the building, weather permitting. In the event of rain, the performance will take place inside the building.
This performance is underwritten by the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center and its sponsors. Admission is free and open to the public.
It’s the time of year to take precautions against ticks, which can be
most active during the warmer weather and can carry diseases such as Lyme
disease. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center provides
these tips to help protect yourself from exposure to ticks:
- Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf
litter.
- Wear light-colored protective clothing, such as long-sleeved
shirts, pants, closed-toe boots or shoes, and a head covering or hat.
- Clear leaf litter, mowing grass, cutting back weeds, and keep
the ground clean under bird feeders.
How
to Remove A Tick
Whether it’s rubbing alcohol, nail
polish, or a burnt match, there’s a lot of misguided folklore when it comes to
how to remove a tick. Watch this video to learn the proper techniques
to remove a tick.
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Protect Your Pets from Ticks Dogs love to roll around in the grass, jump in brush and walk in
wooded areas – ALL places ticks may live. Watch this video to
find out the proper way to check and remove ticks from your dog.
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The Lake County Health Department and Community Health
Center is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings to the public this
spring and summer. These full-day workshops
will provide adults with the knowledge to identify and support adolescents who
are at risk or displaying warning signs of mental health/substance use problems
or experiencing a mental health crisis. Registration is required. View
all upcoming trainings.
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Enjoy a relaxing paddle and watch the sunset
from Hastings
Lake on Sunday, May 20, at 7 p.m. Bring your own
equipment or use one of our kayaks. No experience required, but it is
recommended. Register
today.
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It's a great time to go for a bike ride! Lake
County has more than 550 total miles of trails and bikeways, connecting forest
preserves and communities. Discover bike paths near you by using our Bike Lake County application.
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Lake County will join the nation in
observing Memorial Day, honoring the members of our U.S. Military who gave the
ultimate sacrifice to help protect our country.
We appreciate the dedication and commitment of
these men and women. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and
their families.
Events To Support Active Military and Veterans Here is information regarding upcoming events open to our active military and veterans.
Veteran Resource Fair Veterans are invited to get their questions answered on benefits compensation, vocational rehabilitation, employment and more by attending a Veteran Resource Fair. The event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. May 31 at the Round Lake High School cafeteria. Learn more
Veteran/Military Job Fair Active duty military, retirees, reservists, eligible family members and DoD employees are invited to attend a veteran, military and dependent job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31 at the Great Lakes Community Center. Learn more
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Join Area Memorial Day Observances
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Lindenhurst: The Memorial Day
ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. May 28. The
Lindenhurst Veterans Memorial is at the entrance to Lindenhurst Village
Hall. In the event of inclement weather the ceremony
will be held in the Public Works Building behind Village Hall.
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Round Lake Area: The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 28, and
the parade will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the American Legion, 111 W. Main,
Round Lake Park. Learn more
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Become A Lake County Deputy Sheriff The Lake County Sheriff’s Merit Commission is accepting applications for Lake County Deputy Sheriff through May 31. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age at the time of orientation, a high school graduate (or GED), and possess a valid driver's license. Apply today.
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Learn About Law Enforcement Careers
Are you considering a career in law enforcement? The Job Center of
Lake County recently partnered with the Lake County Technology Campus and the
Lake County Sheriff’s Office to talk to students about pursuing a career within
criminal justice. Watch this video to
learn more.
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If You See Something, Say Something! Did you know you can anonymously submit a crime tip to
the Lake County Sheriff’s Office online? Tips and information from the
community often aid law enforcement in identifying potential threats, problems,
concerns, or issues. Report a crime tip online. Individuals who have a general tip also can call the Sheriff’s
Office at 847-549-5200, leave a message on our tip line at 847-377-4424
or send an email.
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To improve public safety and reduce repeat offenses, the Lake County
State’s Attorney’s Office has launched a new program to monitor high-risk DUI
offenders 24/7 to ensure they aren’t drinking. As a condition of bond, drunk
driving offenders who cause a crash with serious injuries, those with multiple
DUIs and those who are arrested with a high BAC will be required to stay sober
and wear a high-tech anklet known as the SCRAM Continuous
Alcohol Monitoring. Also known as SCRAM CAM, this anklet automatically
tests the wearer’s perspiration every 30 minutes for alcohol consumption. Find Out More
Electronics recycling, paper shredding, and
latex paint collection will be available at the next Recycle-O-Rama from 9 a.m.
to noon May 19 at Hawthorn Mall’s Sears parking lot in Vernon Hills. Learn more
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Lake County was
recently honored with 2018 Tyler Public Sector Excellence Award for
implementing an innovative new integrated permit and inspection system.
The Tyler Public
Sector Excellence Award is presented to organizations who exhibit leadership,
innovation, and excellence by using their Tyler product in new and effective
ways, Lake County's successful integration of the Tyler EnerGov system has
streamlined daily operations. In 2017, Lake County implemented a new integrated
permit and inspection software system in an effort to further integrate
multiple county departments into a single unified permitting system. This
allowed customers to submit and pay for many permit applications online and
review the status of their applications and inspections using their home
computer. Moving to a more streamlined and efficient permitting and inspection
software system provided a better customer experience and saved valuable time
and resources.
To learn more,
please visit the press release.
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Forest Preserve News
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Forest Fitness
Join the Lake County Forest Preserves and dozens of local park districts in the
new Go Lake County movement. This countywide low-impact
fitness initiative aims to empower Lake County residents to improve their
overall health through the simple act of walking. And, there’s no greater
benefit to our bodies and minds than walking in nature. Our outdoor hiking
programs offered in forest preserves throughout Lake County are a natural fit
to get you going. Attend our weekly Forest Fitness hikes, which are now part of
the Go Lake County initiative, or take friends and family
along for a hike on any of our scenic preserve
trails.
Spring Bird Walk May is the month for songbird migration. Join skilled birders on these walks from 7 to 9 a.m. on select days throughout the month. Bring binoculars if you have them. See days and locations.
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Independence Grove Beach Grab your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen, and head to the beach at Independence Grove, opening weekends only starting May 27. The
beach will open daily beginning June 5. The beach offers 400 feet of
sand along the lake's South Bay. Learn more
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Wildlife in
the Preserves
By early June, coyote pups begin to
venture out of the den that has sheltered them since birth. In early summer, we
often receive reports of sightings due to increased daytime activity. When dens
are located near trails we install signs to inform trail users about coyote
behavior and how to safely respond if a sighting occurs. Learn more at LCFPD.org/coyotes.
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Preserve and Trail Improvement Projects Several trail and preserve
improvement projects are planned for completion this year, weather permitting.
Here are a few highlights. Check our website for
updates on all projects.
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Lyons Woods to Waukegan
Savanna Trail Connection: We’re partnering with others to create a 2.3-mile paved
trail connecting the Robert McClory Bike Path at Lyons
Woods to
the Green Bay Road right-of-way. Opening this summer.
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Waukegan Savanna Dog
Park: Canines will soon have a
new off-leash dog area to exercise, play and socialize. The entrance is at
the northeast corner of Delany and Yorkhouse Roads. Opening late
fall.
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Spring Bluff Observation
Deck and Trail: An existing asphalt
roadway is being converted to a 0.7-mile trail, and a new wildlife
education and observation deck is being built. Opening late
2018. Learn more
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Science in the Preserves
We are serious about our goal to eradicate the non-native invasive
species, buckthorn, from our forest preserves and beyond. In 2015, we convened
several regional organizations to discuss ideas for controlling buckthorn. This
conversation was organized to launch a pilot project to improve landscapes
within the vicinity of Middlefork Savanna (Lake
Forest). Around that same time our Assistant Public Affairs Manager,
Allison Frederick, forged a partnership with social scientists at the U.S.
Forest Service (USFS). Eager to discuss applicable methods for behavioral
change and conservation psychology, she teamed up with researchers at the USFS
to determine people’s perceptions of the trees and aesthetics in the buckthorn
pilot area. Learn
more
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National Trail Award Received
A pedestrian bridge installed last fall over the Metra Railway to
connect 4.5 miles of trails at Middlefork Savanna (Lake Forest) to
neighboring facilities and parks won the best in trails award from the National
Association of County Park and Recreation Officials. The award recognizes
exceptional trail project planning, design and construction and benefits to the
community. The Middlefork Bridge and Trail Connection was made
possible by donations from: Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein, The
City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Chicago Bears, Lake
Forest Academy, Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company and John and Paula Lillard.
A special thank you to bridge and trail Project Manager, Michael Haug,
Lake County Forest Preserves. Watch a short video of the
amazing installation.
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Lindenhurst
Plant Exchange
Join the Lindenhurst Plant Exchange from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 19 at
the Village Hall and Public Works building. Bring some of your plants to share
with others and stop by to find a new plant of your own. You also can exchange
seeds, bulbs, garden books and magazines.
Rear Parking Lot Closure
The Round Lake Area Park District announced on May 22 the rear parking lot to the Robert W. Rolek Community Center will be closed for
resurfacing. If there are no weather delays, the project should be completed by
May 28. During this time, there will be temporary access to the upper
level through the front doors. The entrance to the Child Development Center
will remain open.
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