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 Aug. 3, 2018
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Dear Neighbors,
I joined the 19th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge
Jay Ukena, judges, elected officials, county board members, and other justice
partners for the July 17 opening of the new Court Tower in downtown
Waukegan. You can watch the video below
for more information on this beautiful and important facility.
A number of small but important connections have been made
in our regional trail system. You can
read below about the connection of the Des Plaines River Trail to
the Millennium Trail connection up at Russell Road. In addition on July 28, the Lyons Woods Connection
trail opened in Waukegan. This was a
partnership between the Forest Preserve District, the Waukegan Park District
and the City of Waukegan. I'm excited
that the public open house for the Patriot Path along Route 137 from Independence Grove Forest Preserve to the McClory Bike
path, will be in October. Stay tuned for
details.
 If you haven’t been out to the newly reopened Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, I encourage you to go. I’ve walked it and it is beautiful. There is now nearly a mile of new accessible paved trails, which included the conversion of chipped paths and addition of bridges. This is part of our 10-year commitment to ensuring that our preserves are accessible to all. The rest of the savanna is being restored and won’t be open to the public until next summer. But there is still a lot to see.
The last of the property assessments have been mailed to Libertyville, Vernon and West Deerfield townships. Please read below for important information on how to check, get help or appeal your assessment.
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
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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.
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Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year have been mailed to Libertyville, Vernon and West Deerfield 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.
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 following are the final filing dates for assessment appeals:
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Libertyville Township: Aug. 27
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Vernon Township: Sept. 4
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West Deerfield: 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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 Forest Preserves News
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 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.gov. Learn
more
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Millennium Trail Connects to Des Plaines River Trail
A small but
important link has connected the Millennium Trail to the Des Plaines River Trail
with the completion of a small section of the
Millennium Trail along Russell Road. The completed trail was part of a
partnership with the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) and
provides a continuous connection between Pine Dunes and Van Patten Woods Forest
Preserves and represents the terminal piece connecting the Millennium Trail
with the Des Plaines River Trail. This 10-foot-wide asphalt trail section,
stretching one mile, is located almost entirely within the Russell Road
right-of-way. LCDOT secured additional ROW and completed the western half mile
of the trail extension in 2013, and the District was responsible for the construction
of the eastern half mile. The trail is now open for hiking, biking and
equestrian use.
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 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 between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30 to earn a
commemorative shield. View this year’s hike
locations.
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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 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Aug. 19 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, and no registration is required. Dress for the weather
as this event will run 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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 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
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 Events in the Plaza
The Events in the Plaza outdoor concert
series continues at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in
Libertyville. We are excited that the Giving Tree Band, which
was rained out earlier in the season has been rescheduled to Aug. 14. The entrance fee is $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.
 New Zion Health Center to Expand Access to Quality Health Services
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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 Mosquito Pools Test
Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
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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 Aug. 15 is National Check the Chip Day
Microchips are a permanent form of
identification for your pet. If your pet
is already chipped, have them scanned to confirm the information is correct and
up to date. If your pet needs a
microchip, come to the Lake County Health Department's Animal Care and Control at 18736 Peterson Road in Libertyville
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to have a microchip implanted for $15.
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 You Are Not Alone!
Help is Available
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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 "A Way Out" Program
Those
who struggle with substance abuse can go to
seek help 24/7 as part of the “A Way Out” Program. 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
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 Looking for a Fulfilling Career?
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is hiring. Search for open positions on the department's new careers website.
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St. Mary’s Road to Close at Metra Tracks for Repairs to Railroad Crossing
Metra will be closing St. Mary’s Road to through
traffic from IL 137 to IL 176. The closure will begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday,
Aug. 8 and is scheduled to reopen the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 20. The closure
is necessary to improve ride quality at the existing railroad crossing. This
project will include replacing the crossing surface, asphalt and concrete
milling, repaving and striping. View detour information.
 Open Enrollment for 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. LCDOT provides the equipment (safety vests
and bags). We just need you to provide the manpower (or kidpower)! When your
cleanup is done, LCDOT will collect your garbage bags and recycling bags from
the side of the road. The deadline to submit your application is Aug. 31. Learn
more
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Tri-County Access Project
Share
your opinion on the Illinois Tollway's proposed
extension of Route 53 into Lake County. Now through Aug. 24, you can comment on the project, now called the Tri-County Access Project website, or write to Pete Foernssler, Illinois Tollway,
2700 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515
Transportation Links
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
 ‘Women on Patrol’ to Film Sheriff’s Office
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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 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.
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 How To Dispose Your CFLs
This month’s topic is Compact Fluorescent Light
Bulbs (CFL). Many of us still have these
in the basement or other locations. There are a number of safe ways to dispose of them. Many hardware stores in Lake County will take
the CFLs. Make sure to call ahead to check that they accept them. The
Highland Park Recycling Center, which is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, also accepts
CFLs. Visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's website to read a guide on how to dispose your light bulbs.
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 Gain Skills Needed in
Today’s Workplace
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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 Nominate an Illinois Veteran
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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 Lake County Cares About Our Veterans
Are you or is someone you know a veteran? The Veterans Assistance Commission is here to help you.
Please call 847-377-3344 to make an appointment.
There are also a number of programs including
the Veterans History Project on
Nov. 12 at the Lake County Courthouse. Send an email to lhernandez@lakecountyi.gov
to learn how you can be part of this, and visit the Veterans History Project website to learn more.
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Social Service Funds
Libertyville
Township is accepting applications for social service funds through Aug. 14. Pick up an application at their
offices, 359 Merrill Court, LIbertyville.
Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 847-816-6800 for more information.
Grayslake Summer Days
Grayslake Summer Days will be Aug. 18 and
19. There will be lots of fun for
everyone, including music, carnival games and more. The parade will be Aug. 18.
Patty Turner Senior Center
The Patty Turner Senior Center in Deerfield offers
a variety of programs. Some of their regular activities include a book club, bridge, poker and
table top games as well as special programs such as the Big Band Sound of Deerfield concert from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8.
Another Busy Weekend in Libertyville
Check out Lunch
in the Park and First Friday today, followed by the popular Dessert
Walk on Saturday, Aug. 4. Get more information
and tickets for the dessert walk, and find out what else is happening this
month, including Car Fun on 21 on Aug. 15.
Little Shop of Horrors Auditions
The Deerfield Family Theater will hold auditions Aug. 22, 23 and 25 for "Little
Shop of Horrors" to be performed in November. For more information and to sign up, go the Deerfield Family Theater website.
National Night Out
The National Night
Out returns to Lincolnshire from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight! The free event will take place at North Park on
the corner of Riverwoods and Everett roads.
Like Art?
Come to the Lincolnshire
Arts Festival on Aug. 11 and 12 at the Village Green Center at
the northeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Olde Half Day Road.
Discover the Lake Michigan Water Trail
Did you know there is a Lake Michigan Water
Trail? Come to a free event from 1 to 7 p.m. today at the Waukegan Harbor, 55 S. Harbor Place.
Learn water safety, fish, and go on guided tours of natural areas. No registration is required. Bring the family. 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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