July 3, 2019
Neighbors,
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As we head into the 4th of July weekend, it is important to take the time and honor the sacrifices made by veterans and active service members of the armed forces. Did you know that the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission has a new location—501 N. Route 21, Suite 106 in Gurnee. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 847-377-3344 or email.
The recent rains have confirmed the studies on increased annual rainfall. See below for dates on public hearings on this topic. This will influence development plans for individuals, businesses and governments.
For the past months we have been busy working on the Lake County Strategic plan. We will be voting on this at our July 9 meeting. You can see the strategic plan.
Please note that I made a number of suggestions at our Friday Committee of the Whole meeting, which are not reflected in this version. You can view the entire July 9 agenda. Of particular interest to many in unincorporated areas is item #30, which establishes a standard street address system for unincorporated area. The Statewide adoption of the Next Generation 9-1-1 system by July 1, 2020 will rely on a single address. We have been working with first responders and will be reaching out to those impacted by this change.
The Board has voted on a number of important issues in the past weeks including items related to health, job training, road and bike path construction, and the environment. We accepted an Illinois Department of Human Services grant of $25,000 for the purchase and administrative costs associated with Naloxone. This is important as drug overdoses continue to be a major cause of death in Lake County and throughout the United States. We also authorized the Workforce Development Department to enter into Employment Worksite Agreements with 40 public and private or non-profit organizations throughout Lake County to place up to 215 eligible youth in meaningful work positions. You can learn more about other Workforce Development activities below. Baxter & Woodman, Inc. was selected to perform the Phase III engineering for the widening and reconstruction of Weiland Road from Deerfield Parkway to Aptakisic Road. The project includes adding a bike path and a sidewalk, landscape and drainage improvements. Finally, our concern for the environment is reflected in recent actions that reaffirm our commitment to responsible climate control initiatives.
At our last Public Works, Transportation and Planning Committee meeting, we had a presentation and discussion on the new state law that enables Counties to impose a 4-8 cent a gallon gas tax. I believe we need to allow the new state tax of 19 cents a gallon to be in effect for some time before we impose additional gas taxes.
This year, my husband and I have again set the goal of visiting every Forest Preserve in the Lake County system. The rain has slowed us down, but we have hit about one-third of them thus far. Ray Lake Preserve is highlighted below. It is one of our favorites any time of the year—skiing, hiking or biking! I hope you can get out there soon. The District continues the important work of preserving and restoring our priceless natural resources. More and more studies throughout the U.S. support the value these lands have for mitigating the effects of flood, cleaning our air and providing a sense of well-being for young and old.
The Forest Preserve has approved contracts for restoration work at Grant Woods and for rehabilitation of the Janes Ravine bridge at Fort Sheridan. Additionally, we approved designating land in three preserves as Illinois Nature Preserves. Read more about this highest level of protection below.
I had no P-card expenses for the past month and have none for the fiscal year.
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. I am honored to be able to represent you and your concerns. Please let me know your areas of interest so I can be sure to include them in future newsletters. I’ve recently had the opportunity to meet with residents of Riverwoods and of Bannockburn at different events. I’d be happy to meet with you and your community.
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
Environmental News
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Lake County is Experiencing More Rainfall
Rainfall and flooding affect all Lake County residents regardless of whether or not you live in a floodplain. Over the last few years, Lake County has been experiencing more frequent and stronger rainfall events, and as a result, the precipitation has broken records, caused millions of dollars in damage to properties, and obstructed the lives of Lake County residents and visitors. |
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The July 2017 flood led to flash flooding that impacted roads, homes, parks, and businesses. In 2018, the county hit a new record when it went above flood stage during six separate storm events. With current rainfall trends, Lake County could be on track to break 2018's flood stage exceedance in 2019. Read more.
Save the Dates: Increased Rainfall Public Information Meetings
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission invites individuals interested in hearing more about how increased rainfall is impacting Lake County to attend one of the public information meetings on July 16 and 24. SMC will present increased rainfall data along with a timeline of the regulatory process, provide resources and tools for best practices, discuss stormwater-related issues, and address concerns from the audience. Find Out More.
July 16: 2 to 4 p.m.
City of Highland Park Council Chambers, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
July 24: 10 a.m.
Barrington Village Hall, 200 S. Hough St.
SMC also is welcoming feedback by email until Saturday, July 6. Residents, business owners and all who are affected are welcome to share your perspectives, ideas, and concerns by sending an email to Kurt Woolford at kwoolford@lakecountyil.gov.
Initial Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Results Received
Preliminary results from the first three days of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan indicate the presence of EtO at elevated levels at one location in Waukegan, and at varying and lower levels at all other sites.
Because this initial data represents only three days of sampling, conclusions about potential impacts to health cannot yet be made, and monitoring is continuing. However, the results show that the highest levels were detected at the sampling location nearest the Medline facility, with the highest reading being 10 ug/m3 collected on June 7 and 8. Learn more about the initial air monitoring results.
To learn more about ethylene oxide, visit the Lake County Health Department's website.
What You Should Throw in and Keep Out of Your Recycling Bin
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A recent audit showed that one in four items placed in recycling bins are not recyclable. To help reduce contamination, a statewide task force created new local recycling guidelines. As not everything can go in recycling containers, these guidelines help determine what you should and shouldn’t recycle curbside. Watch this video to see how easy recycling is if you do it right.
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Check Out All SWALCO's Convenient Services
Upcoming Events
Check out these upcoming events hosted by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County:
- Bring unwanted pesticides, cleaners, batteries, and other household chemical waste items to be disposed properly at a drop-off event from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 13 at 1311 N. Estes St., Gurnee. Schedule your appointment.
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Lake County businesses, schools, churches, non-for-profits and units of government can bring broken, and unwanted electronics to be recycled at a special collection event from 8 a.m. to noon July 16 at the Van Vlissingen and Company Lincolnshire Corporate Center West Parking Lot, 300 Knightsbridge Parkway, Lincolnshire. Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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2019 Civil War Days Canceled Due to Safety Concerns
Due to safety concerns, the Lake County Forest Preserves is canceling Civil War Days scheduled for July 13 and 14, 2019. Inflammatory remarks made during phone conversations with staff, on social media platforms and in articles and posts caused safety concerns specific to this year’s event. Additionally, several organized groups with opposing viewpoints expressed plans to use the event as a platform. Our staff discussed these concerns in relation to logistics of this complex event, which includes large crowds, live animals, and Civil War-era weaponry all spread across many wooded acres. The potential for a tense situation that could become uncontrollable at a public event caused legitimate concerns with key event and public safety staff within the District. We live in a volatile society. In this day and age, we have to err on the side of caution for public events. Public safety is always our number one priority. Learn more »
Independence Grove Beach Passes Available
Nighttime Programs
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The Lake County Forest Preserves is offering rare after-hours looks at several preserves with two hikes, a community campfire and an excursion in search of nocturnal insects.
Programs include:
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Blanding’s Turtles Released into Wetlands
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Gary Glowacki, wildlife ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserves, with the help of college veterinary students and wildlife technicians, recently released 91 Blanding’s turtle hatchlings into local wetlands in an effort to grow the population of the endangered reptile. In 2010, the Forest Preserves instituted a recovery program for the endangered species. Funding for the program comes from various sources, including the Adopt-a-Turtle program managed by the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more»
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Forest Preserves Look to Provide Added Protection for Rare Natural Areas
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The Lake County Forest Preserves is looking to permanently protect some of its highest-quality natural areas that have rare plants, animals and other unique natural features by registering them into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. As a dedicated nature preserve, these remnant natural areas receive an added level of conservation protection by the District and the state to keep them ecologically sustainable. Learn more »
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Picturesque Views at Fox River Forest Preserve & Marina
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Nestled along a peaceful stretch of the Fox River in Port Barrington, Fox River Forest Preserve boasts panoramic views of the river making it the perfect backdrop for taking pictures or just relaxing in nature. The landscape features rolling topography, oak savannas and high-quality wetlands. The preserve is a playground for boating, wakeboarding, waters-skiing, tubing and fishing. Learn more »
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Ray Lake Features Panoramic Views and History
Of the 65 properties owned and managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves, Ray Lake in Wauconda ranks sixth in terms of size. It took 12 separate land acquisitions to grow Ray Lake to its current 1,039 acres. The preserve got its start in 1992 with a small 7-acre parcel. It got its name in 1999 when the Lake County Forest Preserves purchased 401 acres from the Ray family. |
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Ray Lake visitors can hike, ride bikes or horses, and cross-country ski on a 2.3-mile gravel trail that loops around wetlands and open prairies. The trail also has three boardwalks and a scenic overlook. Learn more »
Forest Preserve Golf Courses Benefit Nature, Challenge Your Game
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A new golf season means awakening three public courses from winter dormancy, bringing their rolling terrain, sand bunkers and short-trimmed greens up to par. When it comes to golfing features, the three courses operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves – ThunderHawk in Beach Park, Countryside in Mundelein and Brae Loch in Grayslake – take on separate personalities that appeal to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. Each course also provides valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat that benefit nature and challenge your game. Learn more »
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Volunteers Lend Hands and Hearts to Help Forest Preserves Grow and Thrive
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Helping with fishing camps, planting native gardens, monitoring wildlife and assisting at the Dunn Museum are just a few of the volunteer efforts performed by single individuals or groups. A total of 1,921 volunteers spent 25,910 hours in forest preserves throughout Lake County in 2018. Playing key roles in operations and public safety, habitat restoration, education and cultural preservation, the hours had a value of $674,000. Learn more »
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More Than a Map
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There was a time when the glove compartment of every car was crammed with tattered maps used to plan and trace routes during a trip. Now, most people rely on their phones and GPS navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, to help them find their destination. Similarly, the Lake County Forest Preserves has switched from using paper maps to a mapping technique that involves technology much like a phone's navigation app. The digital mapping method, known as geographic information system, or GIS, provides a way to capture, store and present spatial or geographic data. Learn more »
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How the Dunn Museum was Able to Capture Marvel Comic Book Artist
Alex Ross, referred to as the "Norman Rockwell of comics," has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art by illustrating characters including Spider-Man and Captain America. Steve Furnett, exhibitions and collections manager at the Dunn Museum, sent the initial Facebook message to Ross’ manager about six months ago asking about the artist's availability for a temporary exhibition. One thing led to another, and Ross accepted the offer. |
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Ross, who lives in the Chicago area, welcomed more than 600 fans to the opening of his exhibition, "Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross," at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, which is operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves. He autographed about 1,750 items on opening day. Learn more »
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.
Property News
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Protect Your Home with Property Check
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The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office provides a tool for homeowners to help protect their biggest investment. Property Check is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers, via email and/or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. The sign-up process only takes a few minutes. Sign up today.
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Your Property Tax Distribution
While taxpayers pay their property taxes to the Lake County Treasurer, Lake County government receives only about 7% of the average tax bill payment. School districts get the biggest portion (about 69%). See how your individual property taxes are distributed (for any parcel) and how to contact those taxing bodies by visiting Lake County’s Tax Distribution website.
Solicitors’ Rules for Working in Unincorporated Lake County
Door-to-door salespeople working in unincorporated Lake County must register with the Lake County Clerk's office and carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job. When a solicitor comes to your home, ask to see the certificate before conducting any business. Report any violations to the Lake County Sheriff’s office at 847-549-5200 where fines and penalties can be enforced. |
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The ordinance applies only to unincorporated Lake County and provides exemptions to religious groups, candidates, and minors under age 18 who participate in fundraising activities. If you live in a municipality or village, check with your local officials for your specific ordinances. Learn more
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Health News |
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
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A mosquito pool sampled June 13 in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus and is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile presence in Lake County in 2019. Practice the 4 D’s to protect yourself from mosquitoes: Drain, Defend, Dawn and Dusk, and Dress. Visit the Fight the Bite Now website to learn prevention tips and more information about West Nile virus.
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Avoid Ticks and Lyme Disease
It’s the time of year to take precautions against ticks, which can be most active during the warmer weather and can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. In 2018, over 35 percent of deer ticks submitted for testing by the Health Department carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Take precautions to avoid tick bites.
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How to Remove A Tick
Whether it’s rubbing alcohol, nail polish, or a burnt match, there’s a lot of misguided folklore when it comes to how to remove a tick. Watch this video to learn the proper techniques to remove a tick.
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Protect Your Pets from Ticks
Dogs love to roll around in the grass, jump in brush and walk in wooded areas – ALL places ticks may live. Watch this video to find out the proper way to check and remove ticks from your dog.
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Health Department Urges Lake County Residents to Swim Safely
Whether swimming at your local pool or enjoying family time on your favorite beach, it is important to protect yourself from illness, prevent the spread of germs, and check and see if conditions are safe for swimming. |
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The Lake County Health Department monitors lake water for bacteria in more than 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, beach closure information can be found on the Health Department’s Beach Advisory web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m. Find Out More
Crisis Care and Mental Health Services
Lake County is committed to help residents maintain their health and well-being. There are a variety of support services available to those experiencing problems related to emotional and mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction. This includes the 24/7 Crisis Care Program, Text-A-Tip, A Way Out program, and prescription drug collection boxes across Lake County. |
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Learn more about these mental health and crisis care services in Lake County by viewing this interactive story map!
Get Your Pet Vaccinated at Low-Cost Clinics
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Low-cost pet vaccination clinics, provided by the Lake County Health Department, offer a convenient and affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. Only cash will be accepted on site. Find a pet vaccination clinic near you.
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Transportation News
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Lake County Responding to Hunger Food Drive and Touch-A-Truck Event
Transportation and Public Works employees from Lake County as well as many agencies in the surrounding communities are collecting food to feed our hungry neighbors. All food donations will be delivered to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a Responding to Hunger and Touch-A-Truck event with all the participating agencies. |
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Admission to the July 23 event is free. You are encouraged to participate in the food drive by bringing non-perishable food items. Bring the kids to see all their favorite big trucks up close! Learn more.
When: 8 a.m. to noon July 23
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake
Signal Study Reduces Traffic Delays and Fuel Consumption
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The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) reviews signals and enhances technology on county streets, which not only helps reduce delays but also can reduce CO2 emissions, which means you save money on fuel.
Recently LCDOT conducted a Signal Coordination and Timing Study on Lewis Avenue from Sunset Avenue to IL 173. By adjusting signal timing, enhancing
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enhancing technology, and coordinating signals through Lake County PASSAGE, we were able to decrease vehicle delay time to 403 hours per day and reduce fuel consumption by 4,380 gallons per year.
Make Travel Easier! Use the Redesigned Lake County PASSAGE App
Make your driving a little easier and use the newly updated and redesigned Lake County PASSAGE app for IOS or Android. PASSAGE is an Intelligent Transportation System designed to give users real-time traffic congestion updates and important local road information.
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) recently launched a new version of the PASSAGE app for the iPhone and iPad, and the updated app for Android has been available since November 2018. Downloads are available on the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Learn more
Paratransit Market Study is Complete
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The Paratransit Market Study for the Lake County region is complete. This study was initiated to evaluate transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities and the general public and to assist these populations in travels to and from medical appointments, places of employment and other daily activities. Throughout the study, there were numerous opportunities for public input, and a dedicated group of stakeholders representing various partners and agencies were part of the process. Read the Final Report.
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MetraMore Launches Expanded Schedule for Reverse Commuters
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Lake County businesses, local governments and partner agencies, and Metra combined forces to successfully launch MetraMore. This project expanded the train schedule on Metra’s Milwaukee District North Line, making it easier for reverse commuters to travel between Chicago and Lake County. Watch this video to share in the celebration of MetraMore.
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Transportation Links
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
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Clerk of the Circuit Court News |
Collection Fees, Interest Waived During Lake County Amnesty Week
All collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on past due fines owed in criminal or traffic matters in Lake County as part of Lake County Amnesty Week, July 15 to 19. Full or partial payments are accepted either over the phone or at any branch court locations. Learn more.
New Civil Filing Fees Effective July 1, 2019
Effective July 1, 2019, all filing fees and criminal and traffic fine assessments will change pursuant to conform with recent legislation changes. Learn more about what changes to expect, including the new filing fee schedule by visiting the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Scott’s Law – A Traffic Law You MUST Know
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In 2019, two Illinois State Troopers have been killed in crashes directly related to Scott’s Law violations. Scott’s Law requires all motorists to yield a full lane or, when unable to yield a full lane, reduce their speed upon approaching a vehicle with flashing lights. For everyone’s safety, if you see flashing lights, move over and slow down! Watch this video to learn more.
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Job News
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Part-time, Temporary Positions Available
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Looking to spend the summer outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting? The Lake County Forest Preserves is in the process of hiring an array of temporary and part-time positions, from lifeguards to golf course attendants. "We offer a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities with immediate openings available," said Forest Preserve Human Resources and Risk Manager Laurel Diver. Learn more »
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Workforce Development Cultivates Talent Pipeline
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Watch this video to learn how Lake County works to prepare young people with the education and training needed for in-demand industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT, transportation, and logistics. Workforce Development, Tech Campus and other community organizations provide hands-on experience to residents who want to join the workforce in Lake County. For information on job opportunities or internships, visit the Lake County Job Center.
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Lake County Careers
Visit the Lake County Careers website to discover careers pathways, industry information, and career-focused programming. The website is designed both for youth and adults who are researching career options. Lake County Careers is brought to you by the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, a consortium made up of Lake County Workforce Development, College of Lake County, Lake County High Schools Tech Campus, and Lake County Partners.
Community Events and News
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