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Lake County News
From
Craig Taylor | |
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Craig Taylor, Representative District 19 | |
 | | Craig Taylor, District 19 Representative (Click on picture) |
Lake Michigan water has been a subject long discussed in our area. Below is word just in from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources concerning a new allocation of Lake Michigan water for Lake County. As the article states, "this is the first step in a complex, multi-step process". I will keep you informed as additional information becomes available. Stay warm, enjoy the weekend and the game!
Feel free to forward this newsletter. It's a great way to keep everyone up to date on County news and local events while helping me "GO GREEN". If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please call or email me.
My contact information if you need to reach me by phone is:
Home phone 847-438-2961
Cell phone: 224-805-6027
or email:
I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you! Thanks!
Lake County Board Member & Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner District 19 Representative Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove
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| LAKE MICHIGAN WATER |
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State Approves Lake Michigan Water Allocation for
Ten Communities in Northern and Western Lake County |
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has approved a request for Lake Michigan Water allocations submitted by ten communities in northern and western Lake County. This is the first step in a complex, multi-step process to transition from ground water to Lake Michigan water in order to meet long-term water demands for this growing area.
The North-West Lake County Lake Michigan Water Planning Group is made up of ten communities that have been working on this project for more than four years, conducting feasibility studies and developing the allocation requests. The communities include: Antioch, Fox Lake, Lake Villa, Lake Zurich, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Volo, Wauconda, and Lake County (unincorporated areas of Fox Lake Hills and Grandwood Park). Feasibility studies have shown the aquifers in this area have limited capacity and are susceptible to impurities and contaminants. Also, demand for water has resulted in over- pumping of several aquifers creating low water levels and poor water quality. The next step is for the elected officials of the group to form a water agency and develop a financing plan. A potential initial funding source for the group is general obligation bonds, which could require a referendum in these communities to obtain voter approval. Once the financing plan is established, the group would proceed with design and construction of the necessary treatment, pumping, and pipeline facilities. The total estimated cost is $250 million for a system that would use the existing intake facility at the Lake County Public Water District in Zion, and require installation of 57 miles of pipeline. Each municipality would have its own local distribution system. About half of the cost would come from general obligation bonds to be funded by property taxes in these specific communities. The remainder would come from revenue bonds funded by monthly service charges on water bills. It is estimated that it will cost the average household about $40 more per month for Lake Michigan water delivered through this project. | |
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| SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT | |
Summer Youth Employment Program accepting applications during the month of February
 Even in these tough economic times, Lake County will be putting young people to work through the Summer Youth Employment Program. This is an excellent opportunity for approximately 150 youth to make money and gain meaningful work experience during summer break. This summer changes are coming to the annual program. For the first time, interested youth must fill out an application and participants will be selected by random lottery.
The applications will be available February 1 and accepted February 1 through February 28. There is also an expansion to the age group and Lake County residents 14-18 who meet the programs low-income criteria may be eligible. For more information visit the Job Center website or call 847.377.3443
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DISCOVERY MUSEUM | |
Paleoart:
Art and science bring prehistoric creatures to life. Now through June 26.
See work by nationally renowned paleoartist Tyler Keillor, and learn how he blends art and science to bring prehistoric creatures to life.
The exhibition features Keillor's reconstructions of various dinosaurs and prehistoric beasts, including predatory dinosaurs Rugops and Herrerasaurus, ancient fish Tiktaalik, giant prehistoric snake Sanajeh, and winged reptile Rhamphorhynchus. Text panels and captions written by Keillor shed light on his inspiration and process.
The exhibit also includes a state-of-the-art hologram of Herrerasaurus, created by Zebra Imaging. The hologram is based on a 3-D laser scan of a model made by Keillor, and features the dinosaur's skull in skeletal form, as well as fleshed out.
Civil War High Tech:
How technology helped win the war. Opening February 5.
Learn about Civil War submarines, reconnaissance balloons, ironclad ships, and railroads in this interactive exhibition that explores how technology helped win the American Civil War.
A CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL EVENT
The Lake County Discovery Museum is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War in 2011 with a variety of programs and events. Learn more at www.LCFPD.org/150.
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Free historic home tours for Adlai Stevenson Day
 Celebrate Adlai Stevenson Day in Illinois on Saturday, February 5, with free guided tours of the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home in Mettawa, Illinois. Presented by the Lake County Forest Preserves, the tours are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The one-hour tours will focus on information about Adlai E. Stevenson II and anecdotes about his family's use of the home. Tour visitors will see the home itself, including the study where Stevenson met with dignitaries such as John F. Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as the service building and grounds.
In 2009 Illinois passed a law designating February 5 of every calendar year as Adlai Stevenson Day. Tours are open to visitors ages eight and up. They are free, but registration is required. Register online at www.LCFPD.org or by phone at 847-968-3321.
Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home is located on St. Mary's Road, one mile south of Route 60, in Mettawa. Parking is available on site. The grounds are open to visitors daily, 6:30 a.m. to sunset. For more information on the home call 847-968-3400.
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FAMILY SPACES | |
Welcome to Lake County
You'll the find the perfect space to reconnect with your family in Lake County, Illinois.
The fresh snow powder creates excellent conditions for skiing, sledding, snowmobiling or snowshoeing on many Lake County Forest Preserve trails. Take the kids on a chocolate factory tour at Long Grove Confectionery or a train ride at the Jelly Belly Factory. The Lake County Discovery Museum offers hands-on interactive exhibits to educate and entertain the entire family. They are also home to the world's largest collection of picture postcards. You can also warm up this winter by learning about our nations Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Museum.
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2010 ACHIEVEMENTS | |
Lake County Forest Preserve Achievements 2010
Your Lake County Forest Preserves achieved much in 2010. Thanks to the continued support of Lake County residents, the Lake County Forest Preserve was able to protect some of our county's most important natural areas, maintain over 150 miles of trails and restore many acres of habitat for Lake County's native plants and animals. View the full report: Achievements 2010
Highlights
The Lake County Forest Preserves purchased over 1,400 acres of land, including the creation of three new preserves, Dutch Gap Forest Preserve in Antioch, Kestrel Ridge Forest Preserve in Volo, and Mill Creek Forest Preserve in Old Mill Creek. The new lands provide valuable wildlife habitat, trail connections and flood protection.
The purchase of Dutch Gap Forest Preserve, combined with existing preserves that neighbor the site, creates a 1,300-acre greenway in northern Lake County and provides the opportunity for a future trail system connecting the properties.
Restoration projects in preserves throughout Lake County improved vital habitats for a wide variety of native wildlife and plants, including many endangered and threatened species. Active management of natural resources within the Forest Preserves included:
· Completed controlled burns on 166 burn units, totaling 2,969 acres.
· Seeded 151 acres of native seed.
· Planted 976 trees and 3,784 shrubs on 2 sites.
· Enhanced fisheries in 8 lakes, including stocking of 4,414 fish.
· Installed 147,042 native plants at 5 sites.
· Coordinated over 312 volunteer workdays, totaling 7,887 volunteer hours.
· Collected seed of 152 native plant species for restoration projects and propagation.
· Cleared 342 acres of invasive wooded growth from 16 high quality restoration sites and work continues on another 3 preserves.
For more information about the Lake County Forest Preserves, visit www.LCFPD.org. |
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Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital CareCoach |
Free Medical Services from Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital's CareCoach
More information on carecoach program
CareCoach takes its free health services and educational programs on the road to 22 community sites each month. Services provided a registered nurse include:
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Cholesterol screenings -
Blood pressure screenings -
Diabetes screenings -
BMI screenings -
Waist measurement screenings -
Tobacco cessation services -
Counseling with a registered nurse -
Immunizations -
Referrals to a physician, if needed
Check the calendar for a visit near you.
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PRINT PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD |
County residents can take advantage of a prescription drug discount card program. The free card that is accepted at most pharmacies offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. This is intended for people without prescription coverage or on medicines not covered by your plan. The card may also be used where accepted to fill prescriptions for pets. To print a card, click here.
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TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION | |
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| VIEW PAST ISSUES OF LAKE COUNTY NEWS |
I have archived my newsletters for your convenience. To view archived Lake County News from Craig Taylor click here.
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