District 4 Newsletter

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Brent C. Paxton, District 4

Aug. 15, 2018

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New Zion Health Center to Expand Access to Quality Services

Zion health center opening

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has opened its new Zion Health Center, which will greatly expand access to quality health services for residents of northeast Lake County. Located at 1911 27th St., the site was fully renovated to provide integrated health services, including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, women’s health, nutrition services, case management, and more to provide patient-centered care under one roof. Watch this video to learn more about the new center.

Open House Aug. 17

To celebrate National Health Week, which is running now through Aug. 18, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center will host a public open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 at the new Zion Health Center. Tour the new facility and learn about Health Department services, enjoy fun activities for children, and schedule appointments, including school physicals and immunizations. Learn more



New Lake County Court Tower is Open

2018 court tower

Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Jay Ukena, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, along with judges, county board members, elected officials, justice partners and others recently came together for the ribbon-cutting of the new Court Tower in downtown Waukegan. The ceremony also included the dedication of the Audrey H. Nixon Pedestrian Bridge.

The new eight-story, 200,000 sq. foot court tower houses 12 new courtrooms, jury assembly space, various administrative services and room for six future courtrooms. The tower construction began in June 2016 and opened to the public July 30, 2018. Watch this video to learn more.


Your Courthouse at Work

Your Courthouse at Work

Watch this edition of Your Courthouse at Work as Lake County judges share information about the guardianship help desk, bond court, and small claims court. Also, take an inside look at the first Annual Veterans & Family Services RUCK March and an update on new laws and changes at the 19th Judicial Circuit. Watch now.


November 2018 Election News

Vote by mail

From your Mailbox to the Ballot Box
Lake County residents correctly registered with their current name and address can now complete the required application to request a ballot by mail for the Nov. 6, 2018 election. This is an ideal voting option for snowbirds, students away at school, and those who will be traveling on Election Day as your ballot can be mailed anywhere. Completed applications must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by noon Nov. 1. According to Illinois state statute, ballots cannot be mailed to the voters until late September.

 

Electronic and paper forms are available by:

 

Election judge

We Need Election Judges
Fair and accurate elections are incredibly important to all of us, and attentive election judges are enlisted for the meaningful responsibility of processing voters. Join our amazing election judge team and take on the rewarding role of working in your neighborhood Election Day voting site. Reserve your seat in an upcoming training. 


Have A Great School Year, Lake County!

back to school safety

Students will soon be returning to the classroom, so let’s make sure they are safe this school year! This means keeping an eye on the road for school buses and students walking to school and making sure students stay safe by using their technology responsibly. Watch this video as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office gives you safety tips. 


‘Women on Patrol’ to Film Sheriff’s Office

Live PD playbutton

Another television show will be riding with members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The show, “Women on Patrol” will ride along with our Highway Patrol Division and provide an inside look at the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office and the variety of calls Sheriff’s Deputies respond to. This is not the first time the Sheriff’s Office has been featured on a television show! Watch this video to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office on “Live PD.” 


You Are Not Alone! Help is Available

Crisis care interactive story map

If you or someone you know is feeling alone, do not be afraid to ask for help. Immediate mental health assistance is a phone call or a text away. Learn more about services in Lake County including Text-A-Tip and the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center’s Crisis Care Program. 


Assessment Notices are Being Mailed

Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year have been mailed to Newport and Zion 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 Aug. 21 and 28 at the College of Lake County Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills and Aug. 22 and 29 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.

online appeal video 2017

Filing an Appeal? Use our Online System
The final filing date for assessment appeals in Zion Township is Aug. 24, and the final filing date for assessment appeals in Newport Township is Sept. 7. 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.

 


Why Work for Lake County?

Why Work for Lake County

Discover opportunities for professional growth, abundant career choices, and jobs that offer variety and the chance to make a meaningful difference. These are a few of the reasons that Lake County employees love working for us! Watch this video and discover why Lake County is a great place to work!

 

Lake County Is Hiring
Lake County is currently hiring for a variety of positions, including nurses, counselors, maintenance workers, and court security officers. View the job openings!


Gain Skills Needed in Today’s Workplace

Revive Lake County

Returning citizens and individuals with a criminal background can learn the skills needed in today’s workplace through a new program through Lake County Workforce Development called Revive Lake County. Individuals who successfully complete the program may be eligible to receive financial aid for job training or a paid work experience. Interested individuals are required to attend an information session at the Job Center’s Waukegan location. View the schedule.


Transportation News

2018 adopt a highway

Apply Today to Adopt A Highway
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is currently looking for volunteers to help pick up litter and debris along Lake County highways and bike paths. Volunteers adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. 

There may be a section of county highway or bike path in need near you. Several sections that haven't been available for years, have recently opened up. Please take a look at the available sections, fill out an application, and join us! Applications need to be submitted by Aug. 31.

2018-2023 highway improvement program

County's 2018-2023 Highway Improvement Program
Lake County’s 2018-2023 Proposed Highway Improvement Program is now available. Review the five-year plan to learn more about how the program is created and to see which projects are currently funded in the next five years. More information 

Speed studies

Lake County Implements Speed Studies

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is responsible for setting the speed limit for county highways under our jurisdiction and township roads. Safety on the roadways is always a top priority and guides everything we do, including the determination of speed limits. What is a speed study, and how does the process work? Learn more


Lake County Children's Advocacy Center Honors Its Partners

Advocacy Center ceremony

The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center is committed to providing a safe environment for child victims of abuse. The center wouldn’t be possible without help from community partners. Watch this video as the State’s Attorney’s Office took time to recognize these individuals.

 

Save A Life
The Lake County Opioid Initiative will be hosting its first Annual “Save a Life” fundraising event on Sept. 14 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Mundelein. Join us to support a significant cause and to continue our battle the against the opioid/heroin epidemic. Learn more


Nominate an Illinois Veteran

Honor 200

Do you know an Illinois veteran whose contributions are above and beyond the call of duty? In partnership with the Illinois Bicentennial Office, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting nominations to honor the work of 200 veterans from across the state. Nominations will be evaluated on their achievements and on the extent to which their contributions have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their community. Learn more, including the qualifications and how to nominate someone. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.


Forest Preserves Logo

Forest Preserve News

2018 Hike Lake County Challenge

2018 Hike Lake County Challenge

Studies show spending time outdoors interacting with our natural world makes us healthier, happier and more mindful. Activate the power of nature for your good health by taking part in the annual Hike Lake County Challenge. Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated “Hike Lake County” trails with family, friends or canine companions. Complete just seven of the hikes before Nov. 30 to earn a commemorative shield. View this year’s hike locations.

2018 Fun Fest

Kids Nature Funfest
Enjoy an afternoon of nature activities that grow a child’s love of the outdoors at Kids Nature Funfest on Sunday, Aug. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. See live animals, build a fort, net some insects, make creative arts and crafts, and take part in nature activities with several of our community partners. Open to families with children ages 12 and under, the event is free. No registration is required. Dress for the weather; event runs rain or shine.

2018 Bess Bower Dunn

Bess Bower Dunn Day
Celebrate Bess Bower Dunn’s birthday on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission to the new Dunn Museum in Libertyville and special activities throughout the day. Learn more

2018 LCFPD Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan Update
Forest preserves benefit you 24 hours a day, even if you don’t visit them. Here’s a fun assignment: next time it rains, find a storm drain or creek as it enters a forest preserve. Scoop up a jarful of water. Now trace the flow until it leaves the site. Take another scoop and compare the two—cleaner water! The roots of trees and other native plants filter the water, protecting waterways and community water supplies from sediment and pollution. A key purpose of our conservation goal is to improve the water quality and aquatic habitat that forest preserves and other natural lands and waters in Lake County provide. We’re doing this by amending management and development practices on our lands. August is National Water Quality Month. Learn ways you can help protect water sources at EPA.govLearn more


LCFPD Fort Sheridan opening

Fort Sheridan Reopens with Lake Michigan Overlook

The Lake County Forest Preserves announces the reopening of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest with new and improved features that provide greater access to the site’s natural beauty and rich military history. Following more than a year of construction, visitors will once again be able to enjoy portions of the preserve’s scenic trails and access to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Improvements include:

 

  • Three scenic observation areas, including a 70-foot overlook of Lake Michigan, with new and relocated educational exhibits that tell the story of the area’s unique history and include new information about the Lake Michigan Bird Flyway. 
  • Nearly a mile of new accessible paved trails and conversion of the woodchip section of the Hutchinson Trail with new bridges and boardwalks.
  • Redesigned main entrance on Gilgare Lane, widened to a full two lanes, which leads to a new 45-car parking lot with five accessible spaces and an evaporator toilet building (an innovative waste disposal method that is odor free and saves water). 
  • Improved north parking lot with new paved trailhead and an evaporator toilet building.
  • Restored shoreline with native plantings.
  • Remaining portion of George Bell Road and gates removed and area restored with native plantings. 

 

Public access to the restored 1.8-mile mowed grass trail will remain closed until summer 2019 to allow time for the grass surface to become better established for foot traffic. Management and monitoring of the 73-acre woodland, prairie and savanna portions of the site will continue in perpetuity. Learn more

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