County begins busy construction season, Watch out for ticks, and More

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Craig Taylor, District 19

May 22, 2018

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Lake County Begins A Busy Road Construction Season

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 Old McHenry Road as well as the County’s innovative efforts to make transportation more efficient for drivers with tools such as Lake County PASSAGE. Watch Now

County update large 2018 transportation

Participate in the County’s Next Telephone Town Hall Meeting

telephone town hall

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! 

Sign Up to Participate


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.


Barrington Greenway Initiative Explore and Restore Workday

Barrington initiative workday

Dive deep into the wilds of southwest Lake County to restore globally rare habitats of the Barrington Greenway from 9 to 11 a.m. June 9. Plant native sedges in the summertime at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve. In one morning, you can make a positive difference for the native plants and wildlife of Cuba Marsh.

Volunteers should dress for the work and weather, including long pants, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. If the weather is questionable (thunderstorms or heat) please contact the coordinator prior to attending the workday. Learn more


Recognizing Our Veterans This Memorial Day

veteran

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. 


Join Area Memorial Day Observances

  • Barrington residents and members of the Barrington VFW are invited to join the annual Memorial Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. May 28. The parade kicks off at Cook and Main streets and will end at Evergreen Cemetery with a short service. 
  • Lake Zurich's annual Memorial Day Parade will step off at 10 a.m. May 28 from the Legion Hall at 51 Lions Drive and proceed to the Veterans Monument for a brief service.

Vehicle, Surplus Equipment Auction June 2

Lake County Muncipal Vehicle and Equipment Auction

Did you know that Lake County and its municipalities occasionally auction off old vehicles and other surplus items, including computers and office furniture?  The next auction is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 2 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.  View the auction items


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 visit the press release.


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Forest Preserve News

Phenology and photography

Phenology and Photography
Advance your photography skills and knowledge of the natural calendar during adventures in the field with professional photographer, Jeff Goldberg, and a Lake County Forest Preserve staff naturalist from 7 to 10 p.m. June 9. This workshop is for serious amateur photographers. Each session focuses on a particular subject and photographic technique related to the current season. Join us on this summer evening to explore the beauty of Van Patten Woods. Learn more

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 June 12 to Aug. 7 (excluding July 3). On June 12, listen to the first band of the season, the Rockin’ Fenderskirts. Put on your blue suede shoes and rock around the clock to your favorite rock ‘n’ roll oldies. Learn more

Events in the Plaza
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

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

 

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

Barrington Art Festival
Free and open to the public, the Barrington Art Festival will take place May 26 and 27 at the Village Center. The ninth annual festival will showcase the work of more than 130 juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums. Learn more

Join Annual CERT Pancake Breakfast
The Community Emergency Response Team of South Lake County invites you to its 11th annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3 at the Lake Zurich Fire Station 1. Enjoy antique fire truck rides, a mini firefighter challenge, K-9 demonstrations and more. Learn more

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