Happy Independence Day, Protect yourself from West Nile virus, Lake County Fair, and More

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Tom Weber, District 3

July 2, 2018

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Indepenence day

Dear Friends,

        It has been nice seeing so many people out enjoying the weather with friends and family. Please remember to stay safe, stay cool and stay hydrated in this heat. 


        Did you know that every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times to commemorate the sacrifices of the patriots of the original 13 American colonies. I did not know that but I thought that it was interesting. 


       From my family to yours, I wish you a Happy Independence Day. 

Respectfully, Tom Weber


Celebrate the Fourth of July in Lake County

fireworks

Whether you’re looking for a parade, live music and delicious food or a spot to set down your blanket and watch the fireworks, Lake County has lots of ways to enjoy the Fourth of July. Check out Visit Lake County’s Guide to the Fourth of July to discover ways to celebrate.

Here is a local celebration to check out:

  • The Round Lake area parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. July 4, starting at Cedar Lake Road and Hawthorne to Union Square Park. At 6 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, stop at park district tables for games, and enjoy the fireworks at dusk. 

Lake County Begins A Busy Road Construction Season

County Update 2018 construction

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.

Lake County and Waze Partner on Connected Citizens Program

Waze

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is launching a data-sharing partnership with Waze, the free, crowdsourced traffic and navigation app powered by the world’s largest community of drivers. Partnering with the Waze Connected Citizens Program gives LCDOT traffic engineers access to real-time road activity as reported by Waze users. Using the data from motorist insights, with information already generated through the Lake County PASSAGE system, operators can make well-informed decisions and act to reduce congestion and help keep traffic moving. Learn more


Plan your Next Adventure in Lake County

Next adventure in Lake County

Summer is here, 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.


Check Out Boating Lake County

Boating in Lake County

Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as the area has over 170 lakes, rivers and waterways to visit. Check out BoatingLakeCounty.com as your resource, including maps of all the county’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining, upcoming events and more.


Save the Date! Don’t Miss the 90th Annual Lake County Fair

2018 Lake County Fair

The 90th annual Lake County Fair returns July 25 through 29 at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake. Check out new attractions including the Timberworks Lumberjack Show and family activities presented by the Illinois National Guard. Returning favorites include truck-and-tractor pulls, demolition derby, 4-H exhibitions, and more. Visit www.lcfair.com for more information. 


Events in the Plaza Summer Concert Series

Events in the Plaza

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.


Lindenhurst/Lake Villa Community Partners

concert

Discover Your Local Farmers Market

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.

farmers market finder

Lake Villa Historical Society

market

GO Lake County

GO Lake County

It’s time to lace up your walking shoes and GO Lake County! Founded by the Gurnee Park District in 2016 and adopted by Live Well Lake County, GO Lake County is a walking initiative that promotes healthy and active living. Over 15 park districts and communities across the County have partnered to create programs and events for children and adults. These events are open to all Lake County residents. Visit the new GO Lake County web page and navigate the map and calendar to find a walk specific to your area. If you take a picture at a GO Lake County program, share your photo!  


Fight the Bite! Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes

mosquito

“Fight the Bite” this summer and protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, an illness spread by mosquitoes. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center says to follow the 4 Ds of Defense to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to protect yourself from bites.

Since 2002, there have been 64 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County as well as two confirmed deaths. The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program collects mosquitoes in traps around the county and tests them weekly for West Nile virus. Visit the Fight the Bite website to find more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus. 


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. 


Protect Yourself

scam alerts

Sheriff’s Office Warns of Misleading Telemarketers
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received calls from the public stating telemarketers are identifying themselves as calling on behalf of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and soliciting for donations and/or pledges. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not make phone calls soliciting money from the public. Learn more

Jury Duty Scam
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court’s Jury Commission received notification of several occurrences where a male identifying himself by phone as a Lake County Deputy Sheriff tells residents they had failed to appear for jury duty and need to proceed to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan immediately. Residents were told that they had failed to appear for Jury Duty and needed to proceed to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan immediately. Once at the Courthouse, they were instructed to call the Deputy Sheriff stating that they had left their residence. Remember these precautions to protect yourself.


Residents Share Ideas at Telephone Town Hall Meetings

telephone town hall

Lake County recently held two Telephone Town Hall Meetings. County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor discussed the County’s current priorities and residents participated by asking questions and sharing what’s important to them.  Listen to the recordings from the June 6 and June 20 meetings.

Make sure not to miss upcoming Telephone Town Halls the County hosts! Sign up today.


State Provides Free Summer Meals to Kids

Children don’t need to go hungry this summer. Children ages 18 and under can receive free summer meals as part of the Summer Food Service Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. To find the closest meal sites, visit summermealsillinois.org, text FOODIL TO 877877 or call 800-359-2163.


‘A Way Out’ Program Continues Its Expansion

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

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

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


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.


Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center

moana

Public Works News

water quality report

2018 Water Quality Reports Available
Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the County. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water systems they own and operate. These reports describe the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Visit the water quality reports web page to read your report. 

Public Works technology for repairs

Using Technology to Plan 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.

 


Forest Preserve Logo

Forest Preserve News

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

lcfpd Lunchtime tours

Lunchtime Tours: Civil War Stories
Tour the exhibition galleries of the Dunn Museum in Libertyville and hear stories of how men and women from Lake County were involved in the American Civil War: The tours will be offered at noon July 11 and 20. Learn more

LCFPD green youth farm 2018

Green Youth Farm Thrives, Thanks to Donors
Early summer lettuces and kale, beans and squash are ripening at the Green Youth Farm in Lake County, thanks to donors to the Preservation Foundation. Among the farm’s supporters in 2018, we are pleased to thank Lake Forest Bank & Trust and Libertyville Bank & Trust. The company’s $10,000 grant helped provide a paid summer job for North Chicago and Waukegan high school students, who sow, tend and harvest fresh, healthful food as they gain valuable work experience. Learn more

LCFPD wine and nine

Wine and Nine
Enjoy a 30-minute golf clinic and a round of 9 holes, followed by hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park at 4 p.m. July 20. Learn more


LCFPD bald eagles

The Baldies are Back in Town
You’ll find bald eagles soaring high in the sky, slowly flapping over water, perched in trees, or even on the ground. Look for them near rivers, lakes, marshes and shorelines. Bald eagles mainly eat fish, but also hunt mammals, waterfowl and carrion. Young eagles attain their white head feathers after about five years, so don’t rule out the possibility that giant brown bird overhead is a baldy. Look for a bright yellow, hooked bill and mottled white feathers on the body.

Nests are built near the trunk, high in the tree but below the crown. The diameter of a nest is typically 5 to 6 feet; height ranges from 2 to 4 feet. The nest may be reused (and added to) for years. We’ve confirmed a few local nests in recent years, including this one photographed in April in southwestern Lake County. Send us an email and let us know if you see an active nest while out exploring your preserves. 

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.


Solicitors' Rules for Working in Unincorporated Lake County

solicitors rules

Did you know solicitors seeking door-to-door purchases or orders are required to comply with a County Board adopted ordinance when working in unincorporated Lake County? 

Door-to-door salespeople must carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job and are allowed to work only between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.  If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see the certificate before conducting any business. You may report unregistered vendors to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by calling 847-549-5200.

This ordinance applies only to unincorporated Lake County and provides exemptions for religious groups, candidates, and minors under age 18 who participate in fundraising activities. If you live in a municipality or village, check with your local officials for your specific ordinances. Learn more


Stormwater Management Commission News

Recently, the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) submitted its annual facility inspection report to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of Lake County. This report is a yearly requirement for Lake County’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which covers Lake County’s municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) discharge activities, provides monitoring and reporting requirements, and defines measurable goals for water quality protection. For more information, visit the website and the annual report.

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