District 4 Newsletter

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Brent C. Paxton, District 4

June 15, 2018

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Sign Up To Join Our Telephone Town Hall Meeting

telephone town hall

You're invited to join our upcoming Telephone Town Hall meeting on June 20 at 7 p.m. During the Telephone Town Hall, 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.


Participants will be able to provide input in a variety of ways as Chairman Lawlor will answer questions from residents during this live interactive discussion. If you would like to take part in this event, make sure to sign up to receive a call!


Plan your Next Adventure in Lake County

Next adventure in Lake County

Summer is around the corner, and there is so much to do right here in Lake County. In this video, get a sneak peek inside the new Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee and find out all of the “Must-Do’s” in Lake County this summer. Also, learn how tourism is big business with more than 10,000 tourism-related jobs and adding more than $1 billion to our local economy annually. Watch now.


Discover Your Local Farmers Market

farmers market finder

Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses at one of Lake County’s farmers markets. Check out our Farmers Market Finder to find a farmers market near you.


Russell Road to Close at Railroad Crossing for Repairs to Culvert

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be closing Russell Road at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing west of IL 131/Green Bay Road for a culvert repair. The closure will begin at 6 a.m. June 25 and is scheduled to reopen June 29 in the late afternoon. The closure is necessary to replace a culvert underneath Russell Road.

Local traffic will be allowed on Russell Road from Kilbourne east to the railroad crossing and on Russell Road from IL 131/Green Bay Road west to the railroad crossing. The railroad crossing will be closed to all traffic.

Detour Route: Kilbourne Road to IL Route 173 to IL Route 131/Green Bay Road.

Lake County Begins A Busy Road Construction Season

County Update 2018 construction

Spring has sprung, which means drivers across Lake County will be seeing construction projects popping up along their commutes as the County continues its commitment to investing in transportation. In this County update, County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor joins Lake County Division of Transportation’s new Director, Shane Schneider, who talk about some of the projects such as Cedar Lake Road, Quentin Road and the Millburn Bypass as well as the County’s innovative efforts to make transportation more efficient for drivers with tools such as Lake County PASSAGE. Watch Now
 

Get Road Closure Updates Sent to Your Inbox

Did you know that you can have information about road closures delivered to your inbox? The Lake County Division of Transportation has an email subscription specifically for people who wish to be notified when roads are closed due to construction. Sign Up for Road Closure Notifications.


Assessment Notices are Being Mailed

Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year have been sent to Benton Township residents.

What is A Property Assessment?
It may help to think of the property tax process like a pie. Taxing bodies, including school districts, villages and the county (and many other taxing districts) determine how much they need to collect in taxes. That determines the size of the pie, and the property assessment determines how the pie is cut up. The assessment process ensures property taxes are fairly distributed. Elected township assessors are primarily responsible for appraising properties and determining a property’s value, which ultimately determines the portion of the total tax burden (or piece of the pie). If you have questions or concerns regarding the assessed value of your property, you should discuss this with your local township assessor’s office.

Understand Your Property Assessment 
Taxpayer advocates are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chief County Assessment Office, 18 N. County Street, 7th Floor, Waukegan.


Should You Appeal Your Property Assessment?
View the five steps to determining if you should appeal your property assessment.

online appeal video 2017

Filing an Appeal? Use our Online System
Today (June 15) is the final filing date for assessment appeals in Benton Township. Our quick and convenient Online Appeal Filing System allows you to get your appeal information to the Board of Review without the hassle of mailing or hand delivering them to the Chief County Assessment Office in Waukegan. Watch this video to learn more about the process to file an appeal online.


Make an Impact on Homelessness in Lake County

The Lake County Coalition for the Homeless is looking for an individual to help serve those who experience homelessness in Lake County. This individual will help plan the 2019 Homeless Point-in-Time Count and work on initiatives to ensure the homeless have access to needed services. Apply today.

Learn more about this position by reading this blog about a VISTA member sharing his experience coordinating the 2018 Homeless Point-in-Time Count.


Avoid Ticks and Lyme Disease

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.

 

Tick removal

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. 

 

tick protection video

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.


Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

SAO Update

Lake County, along with the Lake County Opioid Initiative is working to combat the increasing opiate problem. Hear from Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim and Bill Gentes, who talk about what is being done to combat the opioid epidemic and learn about programs such as prescription drug disposal boxes and the “A Way Out” program, which are part of the county-wide effort to prevent opioid abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. Watch Now

‘A Way Out’ Program Continues Its Expansion

A Way Out

Those who struggle with substance abuse now have two more locations they can go to seek help 24/7 as part of the “A Way Out” Program. With the additions of Waukegan Police Department and Lake Zurich Police Department, there are now 13 “A Way Out” police entry points in Lake County. Individuals, who possess narcotics or paraphernalia, enter a participating police department and tell an officer they are requesting help will avoid criminal charges as long as the participant seeks assistance. Learn more


Protect Yourself While Staying Cool This Summer

Beach advisory

This summer, the Lake County Health Department reminds you to take action to protect yourself from illness and prevent the spread of germs when swimming. Here are ways to protect yourself from illness at pools and water parks.


The Health Department monitors lake water for bacteria in over 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. Through Labor Day, beach closure information can be found on the Health Department’s Beach Advisory web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m. 


Taking A High-Tech Approach to Fight Repeat Drunk Driving

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


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

See Something Say Something

Receiving Recognition for Exceptional Services

Tyler Public Sector Excellence Award

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 view this news release.


Forest Preserves Logo

Forest Preserve News

Events in the Plaza

Events in the Plaza Summer Concert Series

Events in the Plaza is Independence Grove's outdoor summer concert series featuring live music. Performances will be held Tuesday evenings to Aug. 7 (excluding July 3). View the 2018 entertainment line-up.


Civil War Days 2018

Annual Civil War Days
The boom of cannons, the crack of rifles and the galloping of horse hooves welcomes you at the annual Civil War Days encampment. Wander the camps to see soldiers, civilians and tradespeople at work. Watch as union and confederate forces collide in battle. A large-scale battle can be viewed on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit the 1863 Summer Fair, meet President Lincoln and shop Civil War-era vendors. Kids enjoy period crafts, games and more. 

Daily schedule and coupon


Forest Fitness

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.

Family Fun Fridays 2018

Family Fun Fridays

The beach at Independence Grove in Libertyville gets better Friday afternoons with games, contests and prizes around a different theme each week. Everyone can participate in the fun. Prizes awarded in age categories for kids 15 and under. Programs are FREE with beach admission. No registration is required. Learn more


Preserve and trail improvements

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. 

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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


LCFPD Senior Series Gardening Native Plants

Senior Series: Gardening with Native Plants
Discover the benefits of using native plants to create habitat for local birds and butterflies at this program on June 27. Plant selection and identification, habitat requirements and maintenance will be discussed. A tour of the Welcome Center's native landscaping will follow an indoor presentation. Learn more


LCFPD annual fund spotlight

Annual Fund Spotlight
When you give to the Annual Fund, you help us do more. The Preservation Foundation board recently approved a $24,000 grant from the Annual Fund to monitor the population and health of Blanding’s turtles this summer–data that directly strengthens our ongoing Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program.  Learn how you can help.

Science in the Preserves

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

National Trail Award

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.


See How Public Works Uses Technology to Plan for Repairs

Public Works technology for repairs

Much of the infrastructure owned and maintained by Lake County Public Works is underground. In order for Public Works to monitor and evaluate the condition of the overall system, they need to see what’s going on underground. In this video, travel along the pipes and learn more about the process for televising and inspecting the sewer lines. This inspection identifies areas in need of repair and sets in motion the planning and engineering needed to maintain the infrastructure. Public Works uses this information to develop a multi-year maintenance schedule to make sure they are investing in the system at the right time and in the most efficient way.

Lake County Seal

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