August 15, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
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It's hard to believe the Summer is all but over, but most High Schoolers are already back to school and most Elementary Kids are returning next week. I sincerely hope you were all able to take advantage of many of the events and festivals that happened throughout our District this Summer. Please read my information on when and when not to stop for school buses, below. The safety of our kids is so important.
For those who were interested in the future of "Civil War Days" at Lakewood Forest Preserve; at our August 5th meeting there were over 100 people in attendance to share their feelings of the event. The Forest Preserve Board came to a consensus to allow the event to continue not just for 2021, but also to plan for events beyond 2021. All sides agreed with the educational aspects of the event and agreed a more inclusive approach would not only satisfy some of the concerns, but also attract a wider audience.
Lake County has concluded its Ethylene Oxide (EtO) testing in Northeast Lake County and has delivered the results to the proper state and federal authorities. Several test sites recorded elevated and actionable results. The results are available to the public via the Health Department’s website. You can help by asking your State Representatives and Senators to ask the Illinois EPA to host a town hall to discuss the results with the public and to do whatever is necessary to protect the health of the residents of Lake County. More information on this is contained below in the newsletter.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions I can assist with, or if you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter.
I wish you a happy and beautiful remainder of Summer.
Please feel free to connect with me on Facebook for more immediate and up to date communications of important issues facing District 3 and Lake County. www.Facebook.com/DickBarrLakeCounty
Please also feel free to visit my website for much more information and access to tools to make our communication easier. www.DickBarrLakeCounty.com
Sincerely,
Dick Barr
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Report A Concern/Issue
Have an issue you'd like to report? (Lost/Found Pets, Environmental concern, junk and debris, potholes, tall grass/weeds, water service interruptions, crime tips, drainage issues, etc.)
We've developed a convenient and easy way for you to report any issue through our online reporting tool, which will automatically route your concern to the pertinent County Department, as well as allows us to track and study areas of greatest concerns for future improvements.
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Property Tax Distribution
Find out which taxing bodies get your Property Tax Dollars on your Property Tax Bill. Click here
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Property Tax Information
Learn all about your property taxes; how to file for exemptions, contact your Assessor's office, where your property taxes go, understanding your property tax bill, when not to file an appeal and much more. Click Here
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Stop For School Buses!
With school back in session, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules of when and when not to stop for school buses.
The only time a vehicle is not required to stop for a school bus is when both vehicles are on a fourlane roadway and the bus is stopped in the opposite direction from which a driver is traveling. Any other time, a driver must stop before meeting or overtaking (passing) a school bus that is stopped and loading or unloading passengers. This includes:
- Any two-lane roadway, in rural areas and within city limits.
- Any roadway, highway, private road or parking lot located on school property.
A warning will be given by the school bus at least 100 feet (200 feet in rural areas) in advance of a stop. The bus driver will flash lights on the front and rear of the bus. The school 33 bus stop signal arm will be extended after the school bus has come to a complete stop. A driver approaching a school bus from the opposite direction must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the stop signal arm is no longer extended and the flashing lights are turned off or the school bus driver signals vehicles to pass.
A conviction for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights and the stop arm extended will result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license. If the owner(s) of the vehicle were not driving when the offense occurred, they must provide the State’s Attorney’s Office with the name of the person driving the vehicle or their vehicle registration will be suspended for three months.
It’s also important to watch your speed while driving through a school zone, regardless if there is a school bus or children around. You never know when you need to come to a sudden stop, so it’s important to reduce your speed and drive with extra caution. Driving in a school zone should not be taken lightly. When you see a stopped school bus, take the necessary precautions to ensure safe driving and avoid any penalties or fines.
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County News
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Search and Access Data Through Open Data and Records Hub
Access a wide range of Lake County data in one place from government contracts and agreements to property and health and recreation records by visiting our Open Data and Records Hub. Users can also search and discover PDF maps, web mapping applications and other datasets all free of charge.
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Subcontractor Opportunity “Meet & Greet”
Lake County’s award-winning Job Order Contracting (JOC) construction program invites subcontractors interested in learning about doing business with Lake County to a “Meet & Greet” with County Officials and three local contractors associated with the program. Network and learn how to become a certified subcontractor through JOC on Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Central Permit Facility, 2nd Floor, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville. Learn more.
Recreational Cannabis Model Zoning Ordinance Task Force
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing the production, sale and adult use of recreational cannabis in Illinois effective January 1, 2020. Local governments across the state are now evaluating how they will ultimately regulate and/or restrict recreational cannabis businesses through zoning (to the extent permitted by law) in terms of location, operations, parking, security, distances to sensitive land uses, and other considerations.
To facilitate a regional “shared services” approach to tackling these complex issues, the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department is leading a Model Zoning Ordinance Task Force with area municipalities and other community stakeholders to jointly develop regulatory strategies addressing commercial recreational cannabis in our respective jurisdictions. Updates will be provided as the Task Force convenes this summer.
Transportation News
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County's 2019-2024 Highway Improvement Program
Illinois Tollway Will Not Complete the Environmental Impact Statement for the Tri-County Access Project
The Illinois Tollway announced recently that it will not complete the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Tri-County Access (TCA) Project, formerly known as the IL Route 53/120 Project. The EIS was intended to be a comprehensive regional study conducted by the Illinois Tollway to evaluate potential environmentally and fiscally responsible solutions to ease regional traffic congestion in Lake, northern Cook and eastern McHenry counties.
Lake County will continue to advocate and work closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation, municipal, township and State elected officials to improve traffic congestion based on priorities identified in the Lake County State Highway Consensus Plan. The Lake County Board reaffirmed its commitment to addressing traffic congestion relief by adopting an updated strategic plan at its July board meeting. The plan continues the emphasis on strategies and actions the County will take to support a sustainable transportation system. Learn more.
What Happened in the Committees
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Updating Zoning Code for Solar Energy
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Lake County is working on several solar energy initiatives designed to increase the availability and use of solar power in the region. One such initiative is updating the County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with best practice-based regulations for solar energy installations in the unincorporated areas, which incorporates the recommendations of the Solar Energy Task Force convened by the County in spring 2019.
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The Planning, Building and Development Department (PB&D) presented recommendations for solar-related amendments to the UDO at the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee last week. The discussion covered amendment highlights, and no official action was taken. View the presentation.
Health and Community Services Committee
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The committee accepted over $160,000 in grants to help fund multiple programs, including Coordinated Intake, which provides services to pregnant women, Immunization Elimination of Disparities, Local Health Department Overdoses Surveillance and Response, and more. Watch the discussion.
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Watch All County Board Meetings
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Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
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Health News
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month
As the upcoming school year approaches, make sure your children are up to date on their required vaccinations. Vaccines give you the power to protect your family against serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and pneumonia. Find a vaccine provider near you.
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Environmental News |
Recycle Electronics, Clothing and More at Recycle-O-Rama
Bring household electronics, clothing, shoes, eyeglasses and hearing aids, stuffed animals and more to be recycled at Recycle-O-Rama from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Fremont Township Offices in Mundelein. Only household items will be accepted. Learn more. |
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Final Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Results Received
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan received the final results from their joint outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan. The results are available to the public via the Health Department’s website.
The results have been sent to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a health risk assessment, and to the Illinois EPA (IEPA), which has regulatory authority over ethylene oxide emissions. The Illinois Department of Public Health will also conduct a cancer incidence study.
The Lake County Health Department has asked for an expedited health risk assessment and is urging the ATSDR, U.S. EPA and IEPA to send representatives to explain the potential health risks to our residents via a public meeting. Read more.
Importance of Water Conservation
Thanks to public works professionals, clean water is available to us 24/7 in our homes and businesses. All you have to do is turn on your faucet. But water is a valuable resource that should not be wasted. Conserving water saves energy, benefits the environment, and can save you money on your water bill. Learn more.
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Forest Preserve News |
Fred Fest Fundraiser
Growing Strong Students
Monarchs, Milkweed and Migration
Monarch butterflies across the Midwest will soon begin their migration south. Learn more about monarch life cycles, the importance of milkweeds and what you can do to help. The free event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Learn more »
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2019 History Symposium
The Dunn Museum in Libertyville is seeking proposals for presentations and posters related to this year’s theme: Prohibition in Lake County. Presentations should reflect the theme, such as organized crime, bootlegging, speakeasies and impact on local breweries. The deadline is Sept. 1. The purpose of the Lake County Symposium is to bring together those interested in the history of Lake County. Learn more »
Educational Animal Ambassador
A 31-year-old red-tailed hawk serves as a teaching tool and educational animal ambassador. Because she is a wild raptor, staff refrains from assigning her any human attributes like a name. This helps communicate to the public that wild animals are not pets. Because her species is protected under the Migratory Bird Act, the Lake County Forest Preserves must hold state and federal permits to keep her. Learn more »
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Monitoring in the Morning
Vegetation monitoring, recently done at Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest, tracks changes in the presence, abundance and coverage of plants over time in a systematic way. It samples species our ecologists already know of in a preserve and captures those they don’t. The information gives reference points for what high-quality and degraded plant communities look like. Environmental Communications Specialist Brett Peto writes about this on the Lake County Nature blog. Learn more »
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Job News |
Job Fairs and Workshops in August
Looking for a job? There are many job fairs and career workshops to help you land your next job happening in Lake County in August! View the schedule.
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Sheriff News |
K-9 Dax Places Top-Dog Honors at Regional Competition
Kudos to Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza and K9 Dax who recently brought home several regional titles after participating in the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region #19 Patrol Dog Trial.
At the event, K9 Dax completed his annual/national certifications in tracking, narcotics searches (rooms and vehicles), and cadaver detection. He also participated in a trial where he competed in the areas of obedience, agility, scent work (suspect and article searches), apprehension, and apprehension with gunfire. Learn more.
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Beware of Computer-Based Scams
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced an increase in reports of Lake County residents becoming victims of computer-based scams. Beware of scammers who are impersonating computer repair company employees claiming they “accidentally” deposited money into your account and then asking you to repay them in gift cards. Learn more.
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Veteran News
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Lake County Recognized for Achieving "Effective Zero" Veteran Homelessness
Led by the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless, Lake County Government and the Lovell Federal Healthcare Center, Lake County is now among an elite group of communities throughout the nation that has been recognized for ending veteran homelessness. Since 2015, partners have been working to quickly house veterans, improve coordination across service providers and provide solutions to barriers that were keeping veterans homeless. Find out more.
Veterans Are Invited to Join Next Veterans History Project
Veterans who served in any capacity from WWII to the present, as well as people who worked as civilian defense workers supporting war efforts, are invited and encouraged to register to be interviewed on Nov. 11 as part of the next Veterans History Project.
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Those who sign up will be interviewed by volunteers and have their oral histories recorded by official court reporters who will produce written verbatim transcripts. The typed transcripts will be archived at the Library of Congress, making accessible the personal accounts of American veterans so that future generations may hear directly from the soldiers. A copy will also be provided to the veteran. Learn more.
Veteran Services, Discharge Records, and Bonus Programs
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Veterans Services Brochure
In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and eligible dependents who live in Lake County. Read our Veterans Services Brochure to learn more.
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Discharge Records or DD214’s
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office is the proud keeper of military service discharge records, or DD214’s. If you would like a copy, fill out a request form for discharge records or for discharge records filed specifically in Lake County.
Veterans’ Affairs Bonus Programs
Through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Bonus Programs, veterans who served in the Korean or Vietnam wars or in the Persian Gulf and individuals currently serving in the Global War on Terrorism can apply for a bonus payment. POW’s may also be eligible for compensation. Learn more about the bonus payment and how to apply.
News from the 19th Judicial Circuit
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Law Day at the 19th Judicial Circuit
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High school, middle school, and elementary school students came to the Lake County Courthouse to celebrate “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society” during this year’s Law Day. Featuring representatives from every corner of the county’s justice system, students had the opportunity to participate in mock trials, evidence presentations, and coloring/writing contests. Watch this video to learn more.
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Your Courthouse at Work: Featuring a Tour of the New Court Tower
Watch this video as judges from the 19th Judicial Circuit take you on a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at the Lake County Courthouse. Residents can take a virtual tour of the courthouse, get updates on new laws, learn about the Law Merit Badge Program, and much more.
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News from the State's Attorney
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Apply To Join Young Ambassador's Board
Applications are now being accepted for the Young Ambassador's Board through the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. The Young Ambassador's Board gives students who are interested in empowering their peers a pathway to perform community service for the betterment of all communities. Applications will be available throughout high schools for interested students throughout August. Learn more.
Community Events and News
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 Suicide Prevention Community Training
Make a difference and help those who are at risk of suicide. Parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, and first responders are invited to attend a one-hour, FREE Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training to learn the warning signs of suicide and how to respond. Refreshments will be provided. Spanish interpretation provided by WPS60. Attend the upcoming QPR training event on Friday, Sept. 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Lake County Health Department in Waukegan. Register.
 Ruck March of Lake County
Help raise awareness of the growing number of veteran suicides and honor all veterans and service members lost to suicide by participating in the Ruck March of Lake County. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. Sept. 7 as the march will begin at Daisy's Artish Cafe, 216 North Milwaukee, Number 1, Lake Villa. Learn more.
GO Lake County
Lace up your walking shoes and GO Lake County! Over 15 park districts and communities across the county have partnered to create programs and events for children and adults as part of the GO Lake County walking initiative. Find events in your area.
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 Rx for Health: Walking in Nature
The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. Enhance your health and come for a 1-2 mile walk guided by naturalists and healthcare providers. Children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. See dates and locations.
 Boating Lake County
Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as the area has over 170 lakes, rivers and waterways to visit. Check out Boating Lake County as your resource, including maps of all the county’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining, upcoming events and more.
 Suicide Prevention Walk
Participate in the Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force's 7th Annual 5K Walk for Awareness and Suicide Prevention at 9 a.m. Sept. 7 at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve, Shelter A, 21155 W Gelden Rd., Lake Villa. There will also be a one-mile walk option. Learn more and register.
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