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I joined 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 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 opened to the public July 30, 2018. Watch this
video to learn more.
Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year will be mailed this
week to Grant 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. 14, 21 and 28 at the College of Lake County Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills and Aug. 8, 15, 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.
 Filing an Appeal? Use our Online System
The final filing date for assessment
appeals in Grant Township is Sept. 4. 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.
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 The Lake County Health Department has confirmed nine pools
or batches of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus, tracking ahead
of the seasonal average in Lake County. Summer and fall are prime times for
West Nile virus. Take action by following these prevention tips.
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 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.
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 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.
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 Another television show will be riding with members of the
Lake County Sheriff’s Office beginning this month. 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.”
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 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.
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 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.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Kids
Nature Funfest
Enjoy an
afternoon of nature activities that grow a child’s love of the outdoors at Kids Nature Funfest on Aug. 19 from
1 to 4 p.m. at 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.
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 Aquatic Plant ID
from a Canoe
Learn about some
of the fascinating plants growing in aquatic ecosystems while paddling a canoe.
Some previous paddling experience preferred. Only 12 spots are available! Learn more and register today.
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 Fred Fest
Fred Fest returns to the Fox River Preserve in Port Barrington! The event features a diverse lineup
of local bands, food and drinks for purchase, and family-friendly activities.
Fred Fest benefits the Preservation
Foundation of the Lake County
Forest Preserves. Learn more
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 Get Involved Before A Disaster Strikes!
The Round Lake Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will
offer training to help you prepare before a disaster strikes. The next program
will meet Sept. 14 to 23. The 20-hour training will cover disaster
preparedness, fire suppression and more. Reservations are requested. Visit the Round
Lake Beach CERT Facebook page to learn more and reserve a spot.
Fox Lake Hosts National Night Out
Enjoy Fox Lake's National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at Lakefront Park. There will be police, fire and public works vehicles on display and free hot dogs.
Save the Date!
Grant Township will hold its 21st annual 5K walk and run on Aug. 26. Register today!
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