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Dear Neighbors, |
I am so excited to share the news that next week our Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners will likely take action to approve a land transfer of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve to the Forest Preserve District. I am fully supportive of this effort, and I’m so proud of our executive director for his leadership to create this partnership.
Following the completion of the transaction and a due diligence period, the District hopes to re-open the preserve for public access later this summer. This preserve is a special and unique place and will allow the District to enhance our Fort Sheridan preserve with more significant public access to our lake. We know that users of this Preserve have questions about our plans for the future. The District plans to hold a virtual public information session on July 10. More information to follow.
Later this month, the County Board will hold the first of two half-day strategic planning meetings. Visit this site to learn about some the opportunities the County has shared to give the public an opportunity to give input, including the ideas wall. You also can watch the virtual community visioning sessions, which were recorded in English and Spanish, that we hosted to obtain public feedback.
The County Board is meeting to review the current plan and to update it for the next four years. The Plan is expected to be completed by September and adopted by the County Board shortly thereafter.
Forest Preserves News
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Openlands and Forest Preserves Partner in Land Transfer
The Planning Committee of the Lake County Forest Preserves approved a resolution recommending the acceptance of the 77–acre Openlands Lakeshore Preserve during a June 5 joint meeting of its operations, planning and finance committees.
Openlands and the Forest Preserves have been in conversation about the potential transfer of the acreage and 1 mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, which would be an addition to Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest. The board of commissioners is expected to approve the final agreement at its June 14 meeting. Learn more »
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Triple Impact to Restore Heron Creek Forest Preserve
Funds from a recent grant will be used to restore 100 acres at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich. The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation awarded the Lake County Forest Preserves a Community Stewardship Challenge Grant. The foundation will contribute $3 for every $1 donated to the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Forest Preserves.
“We are thankful to receive this funding for a high-priority project,” said Erika Stergos, executive director of the Preservation Foundation. "This grant is unique in that it will triple the impact of every gift made to the Preservation Foundation to help restore Heron Creek." Learn more »
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Beer Garden at Independence Grove Open for Season
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring craft brews and scenic views, is open for the season. The venue features a variety of local craft brews on tap and in cans, wines and hard ciders, along with packaged snacks and nonalcoholic beverages.
For the first time, the seasonal menu is available through Untappd, a geosocial networking service accessible through a mobile app. Follow the Beer Garden to share photos at the venue, receive notifications on menu updates and find upcoming events. The Beer Garden is open 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holidays. It is additionally available for semi-private event rentals.
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Staff Lead Oak Ecosystems Recovery Plan Site Tours
In May, staff from our Natural Resources and Community Engagement & Partnerships departments led tours of ongoing projects at Cahokia Flatwoods in Riverwoods and Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest.
About 25 staff and volunteers representing partner organizations in the regional Oak Ecosystems Recovery Plan attended. They learned about habitat restoration efforts at Cahokia Flatwoods and the Buckthorn Eradication Pilot Project surrounding Middlefork Savanna. The pilot project aims to eradicate buckthorn in a 2,900-acre landscape around the preserve. Learn more »
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Lake County Government News
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County Offices Will Be Closed to Observe Juneteenth
County offices will be closed to observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 19. Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Federal troops led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and signaled freedom for Texas’ 250,000 enslaved people.
The holiday is recognized across the country as a state holiday or ceremonial holiday through community events including parades, prayer gatherings, historical and cultural readings, and music performances. Learn more
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Fire, Law Enforcement Share Safety Tips, Demonstrations at Expo
Fire department personnel joined law enforcement to participate in the 24th annual First Responders Expo May 20 in Gurnee. This family-friendly event was filled with activities, fire safety tips, squad cars, demonstrations and more.
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Chief County Assessment Office News |
Learn About Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze
The Low-Income Senior Freeze provides limited-income seniors with protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property values.
It is not a tax freeze or a tax reduction and does not protect against increased taxes due to tax rate increases. Because this exemption provides for a base year frozen assessment, it will potentially provide increased savings each year a senior is eligible.
The final filing date for the 2023 Low-Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze (taxes payable 2024) is July 31. To learn if you qualify, visit the Chief County Assessment Office website.
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Treasurer's Office News
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Learn About Grants Available to Homebuyers
Learn To Develop a Spending and Savings Fitness Plan
"Your Spending and Savings Fitness Plan" is the next class in the Lake County Treasurer’s Office Fiscally Fit virtual financial literacy series. The program will begin at 1 p.m. June 15. Put together information about your income and expenses to develop a solid spending and savings plan that works for you. Learn how to increase income, decrease expenses, and prioritize spending when there might not be enough money to pay bills in full on time.
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Health News
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Take Steps To Swim Safely This Summer
Warm weather is here, and that means taking a dip at your local pool or beach. As you’re cooling off, remember it’s important to protect yourself from illness, prevent the spread of germs and practice safe swimming.
The Lake County Health Department monitors lake water for E. coli bacteria in over 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. Now through Labor Day, beach closure information can be found on the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring and Advisories web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m.
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Public Works News
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2023 Water Quality Reports Are Now Available
The 2023 water quality reports from Lake County Public Works (LCPW) are now available to view. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, LCPW releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports for the water systems they own and operate.
These reports describe the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
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Environmental News
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Spring Recycle-O-Rama Is Scheduled June 17
Bring your items to be recycled, reused and donated at the next Recycle-O-Rama from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17 at the Hainesville Village Hall. A variety of items will be taken at this event, including clothing, shoes, books, eyeglasses and much more. Also, confidential document shredding will be available.
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State's Attorney's Office News |
Joining Forces To Prevent Gun Violence
The Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) and the Advocate Trauma Recovery Center at Advocate Condell Medical Center announced that they will work together to stop the cycle of gun violence in Lake County through an innovative collaboration that connects shooting victims with community resources and trauma outreach workers inside a hospital setting.
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Job News
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Save the Date for Hire Round Lake
Attend the Hire Round Lake job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center.
Meet face-to-face with employers from across a variety of industries. Veterans along with their guests will have a 30-minute early access to the job fair. The event is sponsored by the Job Center of Lake County and Lake County Workforce Development.
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
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Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
Finding the help you need may be three numbers away. If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 languages. The service is free and confidential. Learn more
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Community Events & News
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Discover Summer Festivals in Lake County
What’s so good about the summer festivals in Lake County? The sun is out. The streets are over-saturated with neighbors dancing, exploring their palate with enchanting eats and drinks, seeking thrills on carnival rides and more.
Go ahead and peruse Visit Lake County’s guide to this year’s summer festivals and see what the land of lakes offers.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99).
The public also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule. All meetings are recorded and are posted on the Lake County website.
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