|
Earlier this evening, several people told me how much they appreciate and enjoy this newsletter. I hear this almost daily. I can't take full credit. It's no wonder people value this information - we have so much to appreciate about Lake County. This is a great place to live, work and play. The villages, park and library districts, the Lake County Forest Preserves District and our neighborhoods are full of potential. Please take time to read or scan every article below
As I've said so many times, our Lake County departments and staff members provide excellent service. You'll see important articles below about serious phone scams, mosquito and tick disease risks and prevention, property assessments and much more. We also collaborate with other organizations for jobs and economic development, education and training.
And, the County is a leader, addressing opiod and other addictions. I am a member of both the Law and Judicial and the Financial and Administrative committees. We approve, recommend, suggest, budget for, establish policies and encourage the innovation and dedication our "justice partners" bring to us on behalf of every person in our county. Collaboration within those justice partners, County administration, local communities, police departments, businesses and not-for-profit agencies is the key to success this far - and long-term efforts to reduce addiction, over doses and deaths.
As the old time newsboy on the corner called, "READ ALL ABOUT IT!"
Finally a reminder that I was elected to serve - and i truly enjoy working with you, our department staff members and outside entities to try to address and resolve your concerns and issues. This past 8 to 10 days including flooding, nuisance noise and properties, transportation zoning and more. Just call or send an email so we can get started on your issue, concern or question.
Regards,
 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.
|
 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.
|
 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.
|
 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 Independence Day. Here are some
local celebrations to check out.
- Mundelein Community Days will begin June 28 and will run to July 1. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. July 1. Visit the Community Days website for more information.
- Beginning June 30 through July 4, join Six Flags Great
America in Gurnee at July 4th Fest. Learn more
- Be a part of the Great Lakes Naval Base's Fourth of
July celebration on historic Ross Field from 3 to 11 p.m. July 3 and 3 to
10 p.m. July 4. Celebrate our nation's independence with fire-cracking
festival fun. Learn more.
- Join Wauconda's Independence Day fireworks celebration
at dusk July 3 at Cook Park.
- Hawthorn Woods' Fourth of July festivities, which includes the parade, live music and fireworks on July 3 and 4. Learn more
- Round Lake's Park District has a full evening of July 4th music, kids' activities and fireworks at dusk. Learn more
- Several Home Owners Associations (HOAs) events:
- Fireworks at Ivanhoe July 3rd at dusk
- Patriotic Choral Music at Grand Dominion, June 29, 7pm; July 1, 2:30pm ($8 / $5)
- Countryside Lake Bike Parade, July 4, 10:30 am
|
 I will admit to being very proud when I joined more than 500 Lake County business and civic
leaders at The Big Event. Twenty years ago as a volunteer, I was a co-founder of Lake County Partners (LCP). Now as an elected County Board member, I have been appointed to represent our County and serve on LCP's board and its executive committee.
With excellent speakers and much energy, , the crowde celebrated 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 added tools and fresh thinking they need to fuel economic development.
This year’s focus was on business growth and innovation. One of three speakers, Lake
County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor reflected on challenges, successes and opportunities - affirming that Lake County is stronger than ever before!
One key innovation that helps open doors to opportunities is the "Lake County
Workforce Ecosystem." Established in recent years, this "Ecoystem" teams Lake County Partners 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 develop and attract top
talent.
|
 Learn about bachelor's, master's and certificate programs offered by more than 20 universities and colleges at a free open house from 6 to 8 p.m. June 27 at the University Center of Lake County (UCLC) in Grayslake. Find the right program, get admissions requirements and financial aid information and more. Register today to attend.
Teresa, the founding Board Chair for the UCLC and my wife, earned her M.A. in Organizational Development from Dominican University via UCLC. Several years later (2008), I earned my Ed.D. in Global Talent Development from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana via UCLC. The University Center is unique and an amazing resource.
|
Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year will be sent this
week to Fremont 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.
Meet with a Taxpayer Advocate
Individuals can get free one-on-one assistance with evaluating
your assessment at a tax assessment help center. Centers will be provided on
June 20 and 27 at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake. These
centers will meet from 4 to 7 p.m. More dates will be released on the Chief
County Assessment Office website.
Taxpayer advocates also 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.
 Filing
an Appeal? Use our Online System
The final filing date for assessment appeals in Fremont Township is July 23.
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.
|
 “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.
|
 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!
|
 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. If you would like to report the call, contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal
Investigations Division at 847-377-4250.
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.
|
 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
|
 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
|
 Forest Preserve News
|
 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
|
 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
|
 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.
|
 Did you know door-to-door salespeople working in unincorporated Lake
County must carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job?
Solicitors 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
|
Wauconda Fest
Enjoy live music, food, rides and much more at Wauconda Fest, which will begin Thursday, June 21 and run through Sunday, June 24. View the full festival line-up.
Long Grove Strawberry Fest
The
Long Grove Strawberry Festival, which will take place Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 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.
And all the holiday communit events above. if you have an HOA, check for those activities also.
|
