September 27, 2019
County News
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Call 211 to Get Connected to Social Services
As of Sept. 24, anyone in Lake County who needs help finding health and human services can call 211 and get quickly connected to available resources. The 211 service, provided by United Way of Lake County, is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that will enable Lake County residents to get the help they need 24 hours a day, regardless of the language they speak or where they live.
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When you call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 from anywhere in Lake County, you will be connected to an expert navigator who will guide you to critical health and human services, including counseling, housing and shelter, food programs, healthcare and mental health services, addiction and problem gambling support, transportation, and so much more.
The Lake County Board contributed a portion of the funding for the new 211 program, allocating $80,000 in video gaming revenue, which is generated from video gaming in the unincorporated areas.
Avon and Fremont Township Assessment Notices in the Mail
2019 assessment notices will be mailed next week to all property owners in Avon and Fremont Townships.
An assessment notice is not your tax bill. It is a value placed on your property by your township assessor to estimate the market value of your home as of Jan. 1, 2019.
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Understand Your Assessment The Chief County Assessment Office is hosting tax assessment help centers in September and October. Here, property owners can talk one-on-one with taxpayer advocates to understand the information on their assessment, see how to use the County's new web applications, and learn about homestead exemptions which can potentially provide tax relief.
Appeals Must Be Filed Electronically Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Prior to filing a formal appeal to the Board of Review, property owners should contact their local township assessors office to discuss their concerns. There is a 30-day deadline to file an appeal, and it must be done online.
Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins this Week
Lake County Public Works is conducting its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program. The expected completion date is Oct. 25. The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., until all water mains have been flushed. View the hydrant flushing schedule.
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Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. 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. Signs will be posted in each area before the start of hydrant flushing. For further information, contact Lake County Public Works at 847-377-7500.
Lake County’s Growing Workforce
Lake County employment is up significantly, 9,000 year-over-year, which is the most in the region. Many factors have contributed to Lake County’s job growth, including the growth of advanced manufacturing and tech companies, families moving to the suburbs and the continuing surge of tourism.
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Illinois set a new tourism record in 2018, and Lake County continues to be one of the top destinations in the state. Learn more about Lake County’s workforce.
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
The Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control program is offering its final low-cost pet vaccination and microchip clinic of 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 5 at Milton C. Jensen Public Works Facility, 40185 N. Glendale Ave., Beach Park. For more information call (847) 377-470 or visit the Health Department’s web page. |
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All pets must be at least 4 months old
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Dogs must be leashed, and cats placed in carriers
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Only cash is accepted
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Proof of spay/neuter is required

Public Meeting
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Ethylene Oxide Town Hall Meeting
State Senator Melinda Bush will host a Multi-Agency Informational Town Hall on Ethylene Oxide on Wednesday, October 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the College of Lake County, Auditorium A011, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will present to the public.
Since November 2018, Lake County and its partners have been working to address concerns of EtO emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee.

Transportation News
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Fairfield Road to Close for Culvert Replacement Oct. 2
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be closing Fairfield Road, from IL 120 to IL 134, to through traffic starting Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 a.m. It will reopen by late afternoon on Tuesday, Nov. 6. The closure is necessary to replace a culvert at Squaw Creek. View detour information
Drainage Repairs on IL Route 120
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun drainage improvements on IL 120 between Fairfield Rd and Wilson Rd. The project is necessary to replace a failing drainage pipe that must be complete before the rainy season in spring. The project will require daytime lane closures with one-way traffic controlled by flaggers. The work is expected to be complete by mid-November.

Environmental News
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What to Do if You Had Flood Damage
If your home or personal property was damaged by the flooding, contact your insurance company to determine coverage and start the claim process. Be sure to complete emergency clean-up activities, including removing water-damaged property (carpeting, cabinets, etc.).
Permits for Repairs: Once the flood water recedes, contact your local municipality or the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department (for unincorporated residents) to inquire about permits that may be required to do additional repairs, such as replacing drywall. Be sure to document your flood damage with pictures and keep all receipts related to the clean-up and repair of your property.
Free Well Water Testing: The Lake County Health Department is offering free well testing to residents who were impacted by the recent flood. Find out more.
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Wetland Improvements
The Lake County Forest Preserve is currently expanding and improving the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. As part of the work, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) constructed a wetland mitigation bank by returning former farm fields to a sustainable natural condition. |
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More than 25 acres of wetlands have been created, and a new section of path was added that will be part of Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve’s path system. View pictures of the wetland mitigation bank and an aerial tour of the new bike trail!

What Happened in Committees?
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Ethics and Oversight Committee
Committee members discussed proposed changes to the ethics ordinance, creating a new Conduct section, and clarifying complaint procedures for Board Members and Appointees. View 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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Sheriff News
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Cyber Safety Tips for Parents
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Almost all school-age children and teens have access to the Internet, which opens up a world of educational resources but also poses safety concerns. Watch this video to learn important tips for protecting your children from cyber predators. More tips
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Forest Preserve News
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Healthy Hedges
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Join Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioners Julie Simpson and Jennifer Clark and Forest Preserve staff to learn about the impacts of European buckthorn on our local ecosystems, and how to manage this invasive shrub in your home landscape. They will share best practices for buckthorn removal and suggest great replacement plants. Be inspired to join the movement toward a healthier Lake County. Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cook Memorial Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Learn more »
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OAKtober Family Event Planned
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Fall is the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs.
OAKtober Native Tree & Shrub Sale and Family Celebration will take place at Sunday, Oct. 6, at Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Bring the entire family out for the native tree and shrub sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., then stay for free nature-themed activities and guided tours of the autumnal woodland from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Native Flower and Grasses and Tree Planting 101 workshops are offered throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m. Learn more »
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Education Opportunities for Students, Scouts
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Interactive learning, exploring nature and history and incorporating hands-on activities are key aspects that are woven into field trips, in-school programs, and Scouting programs provided year-round by
professional educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Award-winning programs are designed to meet Illinois Learning Standards. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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