Upcoming road closures, FoxConn, Summer concert series, and More

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Aaron Lawlor - Banner

June 15, 2018

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Lake County Board and Stormwater Management Commission Unanimously Oppose Weakening Pollution Standards for Foxconn Deal near WI/IL Border

The Lake County Board voted unanimously last Tuesday to oppose federal and State of Wisconsin decisions to reduce air pollution standards in five southeastern Wisconsin counties where Taiwan-based Foxconn plans to manufacture flat screen displays, citing special regulatory treatment and diversion of Lake Michigan water, as well as impacts to air quality, increased flooding, and other ecological impacts from this development. Read the full news release.


Sign Up to Join Our Telephone Town Hall Meeting

telephone town hall

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


Annual Civil War Days

Civil War Days 2018

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


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, join me and Lake County Division of Transportation’s new Director, Shane Schneider, as we 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

Gilmer Road Closes for Culvert Replacement

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has closed Gilmer Road, from Midlothian Road to Diamond Lake Road, to through traffic. The road will reopen the afternoon of Friday, July 6. The closure is necessary to replace a culvert south of Sequoia Road. Local traffic will have access to Sequoia Road from the north and access to Darlington Drive from the south. Visit the project website for more information.

Detour Route: Midlothian Road to IL Route 60/83 to Diamond Lake Road.

Old McHenry Road to Partially Close During Construction

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be partially closing Old McHenry Road to through traffic starting June 25 at 6 a.m. and anticipate reopening to all traffic in November. The closure is necessary as part of the Old McHenry Road reconstruction and intersection improvements project at Robert Parker Coffin Road. Downtown Long Grove businesses will remain open and access to the downtown area is available by following the local detour route. For more information, please visit the project website.

Detour Route: IL Route 22 to IL Route 83 to IL Route 53

Local Detour Route for Downtown Long Grove:  Local traffic will have access on Old McHenry Road from IL Route 22 and IL Route 53.  Old McHenry Road will only accommodate one-way traffic between Robert Parker Coffin Road and Archer Road. Southbound local traffic on Old McHenry Road will have access between Robert Parker Coffin Road and Archer Road. Northbound Old McHenry Road will be closed to all traffic from Archer Road to Robert Parker Coffin Road. The detour for northbound local traffic on Old McHenry Rd will be Archer Road north to Robert Parker Coffin Road.  


Partners Celebrates 20 Years of Leading the Innovation Economy

Lawlor Big Event

I recently joined more than 500 Lake County business and civic leaders to celebrate 20 years of driving economic growth as Lake County Partners hosted its annual “Big Event.” The Big Event focuses on giving companies and communities the tools they need to fuel economic development. This year’s focus was on business growth and innovation. I reflected on where we’ve been and where we are going, affirming that Lake County is stronger than ever before!

Through the “Lake County Workforce Ecosystem” established in recent years, Lake County Partners has teamed with Lake County Workforce Development, the College of Lake County, the Lake County High Schools Technology Campus and others to meet with company leaders, identify and address critical marketplace needs and help attract top talent. 


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


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.


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. 


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.


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


Receiving Recognition for Exceptional Services

Tyler Public Sector Excellence Award

Lake County was recently honored with the 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 read the 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.

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. The program is FREE with beach admission. No registration is required. Learn more

LCFPD battling buckthorn

Battling Buckthorn

Learn about our efforts to eliminate buckthorn, one of the area’s most invasive plants at this program June 21. Experts will share identification and removal tips. Let us inspire you to join the effort and make Lake County a buckthorn-free zone. 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


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 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.


Community News

Long Grove Strawberry Fest 2018

Have a Berry Good Time at Strawberry Festival

The Long Grove Strawberry Festival, which will take place June 22 to 24 in historic downtown Long Grove, will consist of days dedicated to all things strawberry, from cooks doling out strawberry BBQ to strawberry pie-eating contests. Also, enjoy a classic carnival, three stages of live music, and the Kid Zone with enduring summer entertainment and games. Learn more

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Lake County Passage
SWALCO

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