Emergency test alerts, Old McHenry Road closure, Lake Zurich shares What's Happening With..., and More

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Craig Taylor, District 19

September 18, 2018

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Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How

Learn life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid. Check your insurance policies for hazards you may face. Know practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas. As Lake County joins in observing National Preparedness Month through September, work with your family and community to develop an action plan, so you can be prepared if an emergency should occur. Check out these resources that can help you plan. 


Learn How To Get Emergency Information
An emergency can happen in your community at any time. Prepare yourself and your family for any emergency by seeking immediate and reliable information. Watch this video to learn how. 

Emergency alert large play button

Expect Phone, TV Messages for Emergency Alert System Tests

Cell Phone

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will issue a test of the Nationwide Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) which will be sent to all compatible cell phones on Oct. 3. Please note some older cell phones may not receive the test message. 

This test will be followed by a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which is made available to radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers. The EAS test is scheduled to last about one minute and will be similar to regular monthly EAS test messages. Learn more


Transportation News

Old McHenry Road Partially Closes for Reconstruction, Intersection Improvements
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has partially closed Old McHenry Road for roadwork. The closure is necessary as part of the Old McHenry Road reconstruction and intersection improvements project at Robert Parker Coffin Rd. The road will reopen to all traffic in November. Downtown Long Grove businesses will remain open and easily accessible during this project. For more information, visit the project website.

Tri-County Access Project Update
The Tri-County Access Project recently hosted a public open house at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer. The Tri-County Access (TCA) Project, formerly the IL Route 53/120 project, is a comprehensive regional study being conducted by the Illinois Tollway to study how to ease traffic congestion in Lake, northern Cook, and eastern McHenry counties that is environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible.

Individuals who were unable to attend the open house can access the meeting's materials, view the latest news, sign up to receive project updates and submit questions and feedback by visiting the Tri-County Access Project's website.


Looking for a Job? The Job Center of Lake County Can Help

Jobs

Looking for a job? The Job Center of Lake County will offer a variety of resources this month, including tips to succeed in your next job interview and much more. View this month’s schedule.



Sign Up to Receive Job News by Text
Lake County Workforce Development is piloting a text-messaging service where you can opt in and receive occasional text messages regarding employment events, paid internships and more. You can opt out at any time. Sign up now!


Stormwater Management Commission Seeks Two Fall Interns

The Stormwater Management Commission is currently looking for two fall 2018 ravine interns who will spend most of their internship outside collecting data for slope and channel erosion, locations of stormwater pipes and discharges, and more. Applicants must be able to work primarily outdoors within natural resource areas, (e.g., wetlands, ravines and streams), occasionally be in the office, and be willing to engage in limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Apply today


Join the Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputy Unit

Auxiliary Deputy Unit

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputies. The Auxiliary Deputy Unit is comprised of members who give back to Lake County through community service in the area of law enforcement. The unit assists other Sheriff’s Office divisions as well as municipal police departments in times of natural and man-made emergencies or disasters.

Applications are available at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 25 S Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave, Waukegan, or at the Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputy website.  Applications are due by Sept. 30.


Public Works To Begin Semi-annual Hydrant Flushing

hydrant flushing 2017

Lake County Public Works will soon begin its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program. After hydrant flushing, customers may notice a slight discoloration of the water. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing to avoid clothes to be stained. This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. It is recommended to run cold water for several minutes to clear your pipes. View the schedule.


Collection Fees, Interest to be Waived During Amnesty Week

Amnesty Week 2018

All collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on any past due fines owed in criminal and traffic matters in Lake County as part of Lake County Amnesty Week, which will run Sept. 24 to 28. Full or partial payment will be accepted either over the phone or at any of our branch court locations. Learn more


First 2018 Human Case of West Nile Virus in Lake County

mosquito

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is reporting the first human case of West Nile virus in Lake County for 2018. A Waukegan resident in her 60s became ill in mid-August. To date, 61 pools or batches of mosquitoes and two birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2018. Learn more, including the 4Ds of defense to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.


National Recovery Month: Get Immediate Help 24/7

National Recovery Month

Lake County prides itself as being a leader in public health, working to enhance access to mental and behavioral health services through partnerships between the Health Department and law enforcement agencies, the work of the Lake County Mental Health Coalition, and addressing the rapidly increasing opiate problem through the Lake County Opioid Initiative. There are many services available 24/7 to those experiencing problems related to emotional and mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction.

In recognition of National Recovery Month, we ask that you help spread the word of these life-saving services. We've all been impacted in some way by mental health and substance disorders. Let's make it known that prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. Learn more


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Forest Preserve News

Lakewood master plan

Lakewood Forest Preserve Master Plan
We have initiated the master planning process for Lakewood Forest Preserve. The master plan will evaluate the existing conditions and uses of the preserve and will identify potential recreation, education and conservation improvements at the preserve. Learn more

We want to hear from you!
Please take our 10-minute survey below to answer questions that will help us understand how you enjoy Lakewood and what opportunities to explore for the preserve’s future. The survey will be open until Sept. 24. Take our survey!

Hawk turns 30

Forest Preserve Education Hawk Turns 30
With a badly injured right wing, the future was uncertain for a 4-month-old red-tailed hawk found near Highland Park in the summer of 1988. The hawk was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, but after healing, it could only glide short distances. It was unable to gain enough lift to soar and hunt, and as a raptor both skills are necessary for survival in the wild. We knew the hawk could touch many lives as an ambassador for Lake County birds of prey, so we built a home for it at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods where it became an honorary Environmental Educator. Throughout her long life, the hawk has served as an educational assistant to our staff during school programs, summer camps and special events.  Learn more

LCFPD movement

Let’s Start a Movement
The spread of invasive species is recognized as one of the major factors contributing to ecosystem change and instability in our county, region and nation. These species have the ability to displace or eliminate native species, alter fire regimes, damage infrastructure and threaten human livelihoods. Invasive species are changing the iconic landscapes of our nation. To effectively control invasive species, removal needs to extend beyond the borders of natural areas. The invasive species European buckthorn is currently the most common tree in Lake County, making up more than 40 percent of our canopy, according to a 2010 tree census conducted by the U.S. Forest Service and The Morton Arboretum. It will continue to be an issue until the community is involved: from private landowners to homeowner associations, golf courses to garden clubs, businesses to school districts.

Want to join the movement? We invite all Lake County residents to help eradicate buckthorn. Several homeowners have already volunteered to help. Whether they have removed buckthorn from their yard or are simply considering it, every resident who participates will benefit the community. In the coming months we will distribute resources to help assess your yard, plus tips to remove buckthorn, landscape with native plants, and get further involved with this effort toward an even more beautiful, healthy Lake County. Join the movement.

Stewardship challenge grant

Quadruple Your Gift to Help Restore Grassy Lake 
Thanks to a Community Stewardship Challenge Grant from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, every dollar raised to restore Grassy Lake in Lake Barrington will be matched with $3, giving your $100 gift a $400 impact! This grant will supply volunteers with native woodland seeds and wetland plants to replace the buckthorn thickets and other invasive species that have been degrading this site for decades.

We have until October 2019 to hit our $7,000 fundraising goal and reach 400 hours of volunteer service at Grassy Lake.  Help us get there!


Community News

Avery Ridge

Lake Zurich Continues "What's Happening With..."

The Village of Lake Zurich continues its "What's Happening With...?", series by sharing information about the property referred to as the Raupp property. The development intended for the property is a 35-home residential subdivision called Avery Ridge. This series, presented by the village, reviews the history, ownership, development activity and current conditions of various properties in the village that are often asked about. Read the story.

Ela Township Day
Visit informational booths, touch a truck, enjoy free food and much more at Ela Township Day from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 at Knox Park in Lake Zurich.  

Apple Fest
Apple Fest will take place Friday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 23 in historic Long Grove. The festival will include apple-inspired treats as well as music and the Kid Zone, headlined by the apple pie-eating contest and interactive activities like ballroom dancing and tug-o-war. Learn more

Hawthorn Woods Fall Family Fun Fest

Join the annual Hawthorn Woods Fall Family Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center. At this free event, touch a truck, enjoy arts and crafts, and go on a mini-train ride. Learn more

Anniversary Celebration

Join the Ancient Oaks Foundation’s Anniversary Celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at Breezewald Park in Lake Zurich. This family fun afternoon will include music, a kids scavenger hunt, and a monarch butterfly and bee display. Learn more

Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding

Recycle your household electronics and shred sensitive documents for free between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday, Sept. 22 at Deer Park Town Center. View list of acceptable items.

Barrington Area Legislative Breakfast

Hear first-hand updates from state legislators at the Barrington Area Legislative Breakfast on Oct. 3 at The Garlands of Barrington. Register here.

Incredible Bats

Learn more about the environmental services that native bats perform at a program titled "Incredible Bats" at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Barrington Area Library. The program is free, but registration is requested. Learn more 

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