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July 18, 2018
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Dear Neighbors,
The waters are subsiding, and we are getting some sunny
days. While this is great news, as you
can read below, mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been detected in Lake
County. Be sure to clean out areas that could allow mosquito breeding such as
bird baths, kiddie pools, flower pots and fire pits. Be sure to follow the 4 Ds of Defense.
The trail systems are
opening up too. But be sure to check trail and preserve status before you head out.
Every July, the Forest Preserve District holds our monthly
meeting at a preserve. This year, we
headed up to Spring Bluff in Winthrop Harbor. Thanks to the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club for hosting our meeting. I encourage you to go visit. The observation
deck will be complete soon, and you will get a fabulous view of the Chiwaukee
Lake Plain area that includes internationally recognized wetlands. Take a swimsuit and go for the day! At the meeting, we approved a resolution
awarding a three-year contract for the Barrington Greenway Initiative for
ecological services. We are excited
about this cross jurisdictional partnership.
At the July County Board meeting, we approved a contract with
Tyler Technology for implementation, training, hosting and yearly maintenance
of a new online utility billing system. This will have enhanced security for our 26,000 water and sewer
customers as well as the ability to pay online and other features.
We approved a joint resolution for acquisition of necessary
right-of-way and costs associated with the construction of a bike path along
Washington Street from Lancer Lane to Mainsail Drive.
We continue to look for ways to be more efficient and look
for partnerships with communities. We
approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Round Lake to
provide plan review and construction services for the Village; all costs will
be covered by the Village. In a separate
item, we approved water interconnection for system maintenance and emergency
purposes with the Village of Round Lake and a County system at Brooks Farm.
I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 21.
Also, make sure to like my Facebook page where you can get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 21. Remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!
Ann B. Maine amaine@lakecountyil.gov 847-857-1732 Lake County Board, District 21 President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
I recently gathered with Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge
Jay Ukena, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, along with judges, fellow
County Board members, elected officials, justice partners and others on July 17
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 will open to the public July 30,
2018. Find out more.
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Mosquito Pool
Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
A mosquito pool (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 28 in
Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito pool is the
first confirmed indicator of West Nile presence in Lake County in 2018. Find
out more, including who to call if you want to report areas of
stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information on
the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.
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Save on Prescriptions, Health and Dental Care Lake County is
one of many counties nationwide that participates in the National Association
of Counties (NACo) Live Healthy Prescription, Health and Dental Discount
program, which helps residents better manage the cost of prescription
medications and health and dental services. There are no income requirements or
age requirements, and it is open to residents with or without insurance.
Residents have saved over $2 million on prescriptions over the past 13 years
with this program! Learn more
Visit the Farmers Market
Farmers Markets are in full swing with summer
bounty. Find one
near you.
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Forest Preserves News
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Fort
Sheridan Reopens with 70-Foot Overlook of Lake Michigan
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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Rx
for Health: Walking in Nature
Join
a health professional and an educator on this 1.5-mile walk to explore the
preserve as we improve our health. The walk will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
July 21 at Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan.
The program is free, and no registration is required. The entrance is on
Blanchard Road, west of Sheridan Road. Learn more
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Family
Fishing
Drop a line and see if the fish
are biting. You could catch bluegills, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
We’ll supply the poles, bait and tips on getting started. The program will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 26 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in
Libertyville. A valid Illinois fishing license will be required for those ages 16 and older. This is a drop-in program, so no registration is required. Meet
at the North Bay Pavilion. Learn more
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Gospelfest
Be
inspired by Lake County’s gospel voices on July 29 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. This annual
favorite feature choirs, solo performances and praise dancers that bring you to
your feet. Children can also enjoy fun nature activities during the
event. Learn more
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View Herons and Other Waterfowl at the Rookery Watch
Join us for viewing nesting herons, cormorants and other waterfowl at the
Rookery Watch at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve. This free event takes
place from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until the end of July.
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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
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Events in the Plaza
The Events in the Plaza outdoor concert series runs through Aug. 7. at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The entrance fee of $6 per car after 5 p.m.
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Enjoy nature? Want to learn something new? Visit our Nature Blog, and if you enjoy history, be sure to read the History Blog by Diana Dreske. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
You can also view a full calendar of Forest Preserve events for more information.
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.
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Lake County Responding to Hunger Food Drive and Touch A Truck Event
Transportation and Public Works employees from Lake County, and
many of the surrounding communities are collecting food to feed our hungry
neighbors. We are partnering with the American Public Works Association Lake
Branch, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and the Lake County Sheriff's Office
for a county-wide food drive! All food donations will be delivered to the Lake
County Fairgrounds for a huge Touch A Truck event with all the participating
agencies.
Admission to the July 24
event is free, but you are invited to bring non-perishable food items to
participate in the food drive. Bring the kids to see all their favorite big
trucks up close! Learn more
When: 9 a.m. to noon July 24
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake
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New
Lighting to Help the Environment and Save Money
Lake County continues to look for ways to be more sustainable—both
environmentally and economically. The Lake County Board authorized at its July
10 Board meeting to upgrade and install light-emitting diode (LED) street
lighting at roundabout street lights and underpass luminaires. Over the past several
years, LCDOT retrofitted all existing traffic signals throughout the county
with long-lasting LED lamps, and now they are looking at street lighting. LED
lights reduce power consumption and keep ongoing maintenance costs low. Learn
more ways that Lake County focuses on sustainability by visiting our Sustainable Lake County website.
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
What To Keep In and Out of Your Recycling Bin
Curbside
recycling keeps so much out of our landfills, BUT did you know there are items
that you should not put in your recycling bin such as plastic bags and
Styrofoam containers? Watch this video, and get an inside look of
the recycling process at the Waste Management Recovery Facility in Grayslake.
*Note* You'll notice items like plastic bags get wrapped in the machines.
Before you add items to your recycling bin, check these guidelines from the Solid
Waste Agency of Lake County.
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Special Electronics Recycling Collection
Lake County businesses, schools,
churches, non-for-profits and units of government are invited to bring broken
and unwanted electronics to be recycled at a special collection event from 8
a.m. to noon July 24 at the Lincolnshire Corporate Center West parking lot, 300 Knightsbridge Parkway.
The Solid Waste Agency of
Lake County provides free opportunities for residents to recycle electronics
through a network of drop off locations. However, State law limits these
locations to accept only residential electronics. Learn more, including what items will be accepted.
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Recycling Your Metal
Outside of food containers, you probably
generate some metal waste such as old tomato cages, the filing cabinet you
don’t need or other odds and ends. There are a number of places in Lake County that accept this waste. I keep a reusable grocery bag in my garage
and toss in the small pieces of metal until I have enough and then go to the
recycling location near me. Find metal recycling near you.
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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.
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Children's
Advocacy Center Honors Its Partners 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 the Date
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 in Mundelein.
Join us to support a significant cause and to continue our battle the against the opioid/heroin epidemic.
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Lake County recently evaluated the Land Development Fee
Schedule for development in unincorporated Lake County, and changes went
into effect July 2. Learn four things you need to
know about these changes.
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.
Free Concert in the Park The Village of
Bannockburn is hosting a free Concert in the Park from 3 to 6 p.m. July 22. South of Disorder, a Jimmy Buffet cover band will play at the
Village’s Open Space Shelter, 2245 Telegraph Road. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music.
Grayslake Park District Happenings The Grayslake Park District offers free
children’s programs. Join Science Tellers at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 20.
Also, don't miss the park district's Cardboard Boat Regatta on July 28 at Jones Island Beach. Find out more, including how to register.
Deerfield Park District Happenings Eat to the Beat! The Deerfield Park District will sponsor free
lunchtime concerts from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 1 at the Jewett Park Pavilion. Also, the Fall 2018 Program Guide is available. Residents can register starting July 23, non-residents on Aug. 6.
A Busy Time in Libertyville It will be a busy few days in Libertyville July 19 and 20. The fun will start with the regular Farmer’s Market from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19 and the concert in the Rose Garden at 7:30 p.m. Then, don't miss Lunch in the Park and Sidewalk
Sales on Friday, July 20.
The Promise of an Acorn The Brushwood Center for the Arts located in the
Ryerson Forest Preserve is debuting "The
Promise of an Acorn" on Sunday, July 22. The free art exhibit opens at 1:30 p.m. Speakers Skip Twardosz and Gerould Wilhelm will talk about the crucial
plants and animals of the Chicago Region 3-4. Get more information.
Cruisin' With Cops Crusin' with Cops returns to
Lincolnshire from 6 to 9 p.m. July 27.
The free event will take place at the corner of Milwaukee and Half Day Road
(475 Milwaukee Ave).
Lake Forest Day The American Legion McKinlock Post 264 will
again sponsor Lake Forest Day on July 31 and Aug. 1. There is a full line-up of events, including a fun run, parade,
music and more.
Did You Know There's A Lake Michigan Water
Trail? Bring the family to a free event from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at
Waukegan Harbor, 55 S. Harbor Place. Learn water safety, fish, and go on guided tours of natural areas. No registration is required. Learn more at PaddleIllinoisWaterTrails.org. You can also learn about water trails around
the area at the same site.
Visit Lake County Find more fun in Lake County at Visit Lake County.
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