Lake County News -- County Board Chairman David Stolman -- District 20 Representative
Lake County News -- David Stolman
May 24, 2012
In This Issue
Route 53/120 Proposal
Workforce Investment Board
Affordable Housing Acquisition
Property Tax Bills
Ft. Sheridan Open House
Health Dept. News
Vernon Twp. Garage Sale
Relay for Life @ SHS
Local Newsletters
Please let me know what you think of this newsletter, or if you have any questions or comments.
 
It's an honor and a pleasure serving you on the County and Forest Preserve boards.
 
Thank you,
 
David Stolman
847.377.2300

Tollway Advisory Council Recommends Moving Route 53/120 Project Forward

Route 53 Council meeting
At the Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council Meeting on May 18
The Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council has approved its final report recommending the Illinois Tollway move forward with an Illinois Route 53/120 Corridor project in Lake County. The group includes local elected officials, transportation and planning agencies and a diverse group of environmental, civic, business and labor representatives. The report will be presented to the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors in June. Co-chaired by myself and George Ranney, President and CEO of Metropolis Strategies, the Advisory Council's work focused on answering three primary questions: Is there consensus to move forward?  What are the scope, configuration and design elements of a new roadway?  And, how should the project be financed? Learn more:

 

Video from May 18 Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council meeting

 

Read Illinois Tollway news release

 

An Inside Look: Workforce Investment Board

Play videoThe Lake County Workforce Investment Board works to keep our local economy moving forward by bringing businesses, training providers and job seekers together. They serve as a link between educational institutions and businesses to make sure that our workers are highly skilled and prepared to meet the needs of the business community. In this video, learn how the Workforce Investment Board is committed to "building a workforce that is ready for today, and prepared for tomorrow". Watch the video here:  

LCHA Opens Affordable Housing Acquisition Program

Play videoThe foreclosure crisis has resulted in numerous properties being vacant across Lake County, which can lead to the destabilization of a community. Lake County, and other partner organizations, including the Lake County Housing Authority (LCHA), have worked to purchase foreclosed properties, rehabilitate them, and sell or rent them to income-eligible homebuyers. Recently, Lake County officials joined LCHA to celebrate the first home purchased under its Affordable Housing Acquisition Program. Watch the official ribbon cutting for the LCHA Affordable Housing Acquisition Program here:

Treasurer Discusses Property Taxes in County Update

Play video Property owners have received their property tax bills and the first installment is due Wednesday, June 6. The property tax process is a state mandated function. By state law, Lake County is responsible for the collection of taxes from property owners and the distribution of these property tax funds to more than 200 taxing bodies, such as cities, townships, county, park and fire protection districts, and schools (which account for 68% of your tax bill).

 

In this video, Lake County Treasurer Robert Skidmore talks about the tax process, and answers taxpayers' frequently asked questions. Watch now: 

Fort Sheridan to Hold Planning Open House June 12
Ft. Sheridan aerial

Tuesday, June 12, 4-8 p.m.

Midwest Young Artists Center, 878 Lyster Rd., Highwood

 

The Forest Preserve District is seeking public input regarding future trails and other potential outdoor recreation and open space improvements at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.  At the Planning Open House, the public is invited to drop in anytime between 4 and 8 p.m. to review maps and other information about the natural resources and existing public trails and facilities at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, and to provide input regarding options for additional future outdoor recreation and habitat restoration improvements. In an informal setting, Forest Preserve staff members will be available to answer questions. Weather permitting, Forest Preserve historians and naturalists will conduct optional tours of the historic sites and natural areas within the preserve.

 

In March, the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners decided not to pursue construction of a golf course at the site, citing substantial declines in demand for golf and financial feasibility concerns. Instead, Forest Preserve Commissioners wanted to concentrate on completing additional trails and other more typical Forest Preserve outdoor recreation and habitat restoration improvements for the general public to use and enjoy at Fort Sheridan.

 

Comments from the open house will be reviewed by the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners and taken into consideration for the site's planning. Those unable to attend the Open House may submit ideas via email at [email protected].

 

For more information about the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve planning, visit www.LCFPD.org.

Health Dept. logo Health Department Update

 

Check Lake Michigan Beach Advisories Online

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lake County beachgoers can access daily information on Lake Michigan beach advisories and swim bans through the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center's Web site by visiting the Health Department's beach advisory page.  Throughout the summer, the Health Department's Environmental Services samples 12 beaches along Lake Michigan four days per week.  The web page is updated each morning.

 

West Nile Virus Hotline Activated

The Health Department has re-activated the West Nile virus hotline for county residents to report dead birds, report areas of stagnant water (which are conducive to mosquito breeding), or to obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis. The West Nile virus hotline number is: (847) 377-8300.

 

Healthy Lake County
As warm weather draws you outside, be aware that there are a few potentially harmful things to look out for such as ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus and bats, which can carry rabies. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center offers tips to help you stay healthy this spring and summer.

New Vaccine Requirement to Address Resurgence of Whooping Cough
To address the growing cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, the state of Illinois has a new requirement for school entry. Students entering 6th and 9th grades for the 2012-2013 school year will be required to provide proof they have received a dose of the Tdap vaccination in addition to the physical exams required for students entering those grades. Learn more.
 

 

Vernon Township's Community Garage Sale, June 9

VernonTwp Logo Saturday June 9

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Set-up starts at 7 a.m.)

 

Vernon Township will be hosting the 4th Annual Community Garage Sale in the west parking lot of the Prairie View Train Station, 2701 Main Street. The township will be selling two spaces (16ft x 17ft) for $25 with proceeds benefiting the Vernon Township Food Pantry. We expect over 60 vendors to be in attendance.

Relay for Life of Buffalo Grove / Stevenson High School

Relay logo

June 15-16 (Opening Ceremony at 7 p.m.)

Stevenson High School, 1 Stevenson Dr., Lincolnshire

 

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Please join Buffalo Grove and SHS in supporting this important cause.

 

More more details on participating or contributing, visit the event web page.

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