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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) |
Driving has been a challenge with all the road projects taking place. You'll note Route 12 is about to become even more challenging as IDOT installs a new traffic signal at the intersection of Honey Lake Road across from Paulus Park. Please drive carefully and allow extra time. Don't forget to check Lake County Passage (link below) for up to the minute Lake County road conditions.
Please forward this e-newsletter to anyone you feel may benefit from its content. By helping me get the word out in this manner you're also helping me GO GREEN! Thank you!!
If you've gotten this letter from a friend, please join my email list at the bottom of this page to receive future issues.
Should you need to contact me, my contact information follows:
Home phone: 847-438-2961
Cell phone: 224-805-6027
I consider it a 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
(In the future, District 19 will include Deer Park and Barrington) |
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AREA ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS | |
PROJECTS NOW IN PROCESS or ABOUT TO START
Midlothian Road
Milling and resurfacing
START: 7/2011
END: 10/2011
COST: $1.754
IMPACT ON TRAVEL: 4.85 miles of milling, hot mix asphalt surface and striping on Midlothian Road from IL 176 to Old McHenry Road in Mundelein.
US 12 and Honey Lake Road
New traffic signals and channelizaiton
Lake Zurich
START: 8/2011
END: 6/2012
COST: $0.516
IMPACT ON TRAVEL: Installation of new traffic signals and channelization at the intersection of US 12 and Honey Lake Road located in Lake Zurich.
IL 59
Resurfacing
Wauconda and Barrington
START: 5/2011
END: 10/2011
COST: $1.941
IMPACT ON TRAVEL: 4.57 miles of resurfacing on IL 59 from US 12 (Rand Road) to IL 22 in Wauconda and Barrington.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Daytime closures only with flaggers. |
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ELA ROAD PROJECTS | |
TWO SEPERATE PROJECTS
This improvement actually consists of two separate projects that we are coordinating together. We are rehabilitating a retaining wall in the Right Of Way at a location between Long Grove Road and Cuba Road as well as resurfacing Ela Road from Lake-Cook Road to Cuba Road.
We will have the contractor do the retaining wall work first then follow up with the milling and resurfacing work. Both contracts are now in place and we expect the retaining wall portion of the work to begin in early September with the resurfacing to follow in late September or October with both projects completed this fall. |
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AND MORE ROAD PROJECTS.. | |
WATCH FOR PROJECT INFORMATION SIGNS
ALONG ROAD SIDES
Here is a list of IDOT concrete pavement patching projects in Lake and McHenry Counties that will impact the following locations in the our area. We do not have any further information at this time about how long the project will last or when the contractor will start work at each of these locations (you'll have to watch for signs - - - I'll pass along dates if/when I receive them):
- IL Route 83 - US Route 45 to Buffalo Grove Road
- IL Route 22 - IL Route 83 to � mile west of IL Route 83
- IL Route 53 - IL Route 83 to � mile west of IL Route 83
- US Route 12 - at Old McHenry Road Intersection
- US Route 14 - at IL Route 22 Intersection
- US Route 14 - IL Route 22 to N. River Road
- US Route 14 - Silver Lake Road to COG Road
The Lake County Division of Transportation currently has several projects in development for the Quentin Road corridor:
- Quentin Road - Rue Royale to White Pine, widen from two to four lanes and improve the intersection at US Route 12. This project is in the final stages of engineering and Right Of Way acquisition with construction expected to begin in the late spring of 2012.
- Quentin Road - White Pine to IL Route 22, widen from two to four lanes. This project is in the Phase I engineering stage with construction currently programmed for FY2014.
- Quentin Road at Ensell Drive, temporary traffic signal. Construction is complete, currently awaiting electrical service from ComEd with signal turn-on expected in early September.
- Quentin Road - IL Route 22 to Old McHenry Road, maintenance resurfacing project. Project is currently in the final engineering phase with construction planned for the spring of 2012.
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TASTE OF THE TOWNS | |
5th ANNUAL TASTE OF THE TOWNS
Sunday, August 28, 3 - 7 pm, Paulus Park
Enjoy samples of food and beverages from 30 different vendors while enjoying live entertainment in Lake Zurich's premier park on the lake.
One Tasting Menu provides a taste from all 30 vendors. $30 in advance. $35 day of event.
Presenting Sponsor: Daily Herald |
| 2nd INSTALLMENT OF PROPERTY TAX DUE | |
The second installment of Lake County property taxes is due Tuesday, September 6. A second bill will not be mailed to homeowners. Per Illinois Statute, any payment received after the due date must include a 1.5% monthly penalty.
"The Treasurer's Office typically experiences long lines close to the property tax due date so I encourage taxpayers to take advantage of one of the alternative payment methods," said Lake County Treasurer Robert Skidmore. "Payments must be made or postmarked before September 6 in order to avoid paying penalties."
2 minute video here.
Office hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Due Date, September 6, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information:
Lake County Treasurer's Office www.lakecountyil.gov/treasurer |
| PROPERTY ASSESSMENT | |
Watch Video: Understanding the Property Assessment Process
 At a recent public information meeting in Zion, several local township assessors and the chief county assessment officer presented information to Lake County residents on the assessment process. In this video, the presenters discuss how to evaluate an assessed value, how tax rates are determined, homestead exemptions, and more. (The video is one hour and 12 minutes). Watch now.
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LAKE COUNTY STORM RESPONSE RECAP | |
Storm Response
Lake County has experienced some severe storms this summer, including the one on July 11 that caused widespread power outages, downed trees and debris.
While a storm doesn't recognize political boundaries, it's important to understand that each jurisdiction is responsible for the emergency response activities within its borders. The County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) collaborates with all jurisdictions across the county, and has several functions during and after a widespread incident like the July 11 storm.
Lake County EMA compiles information from multiple sources to develop and share an overall understanding of the impacts and needs, something we refer to as "situational awareness." Lake County EMA is also there to coordinate resources to assist these agencies, when requested. For example, Lake County coordinates damage assessment and will work to try and obtain disaster aid from the state and federal governments. We estimate that local governments together incurred more than $3.5 million in excess costs related to the July 11 storm response, primarily for emergency response and debris removal. While these unexpected costs have a significant impact on local government budgets, the total excess costs does not meet the specific requirements for a federal "public assistance" disaster declaration that could bring financial assistance to the impacted local government agency. EMA also collected information about homes and businesses that suffered uninsured major structural damage because of the storm, but the amount of damage did not meet the criteria for a federal "individual assistance" disaster declaration that could help individual residents and businesses.
Throughout the storm, EMA gathered information from various agencies, including ComEd and shared this information with the public. One of the specific challenges we experienced was communication breakdowns with ComEd, as well as the length of time to restore electricity. We have shared our concerns with ComEd on this matter and hope we will see improvement in this area.
I will continue to send emergency and weather information through this newsletter. I encourage you to share this with your friends and family members. Also, you can sign up for emergency alerts (via Twitter) on the county's website. Learn more about how to prepare for a disaster at www.alertlakecounty.com |
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EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARD | |
A CARD TO KEEP
Thanks to an emergency preparedness grant, Lake County residents have access to quick and easy information that can hang on your refrigerator.
Each card unfolds to provide information about how individuals can prepare for weather and bioterrorism emergencies at home, plus a place to list personal contacts, including family physician, your child's school and a family member/friend.
Cards are being distributed through municipalities, townships and libraries. For more information on how to obtain cards, call 847.377.8000.
Two pages with the same written information on the card are available to download and copy from related links on the emergency preparedness web page |
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT | |
Lake County Workforce Development
Your Job Search Partner!
During these tough economic times, job seekers can easily become discouraged. The Lake County Workforce Development Department has programs designed to help job seekers, as well as employers.
If you are a job seeker and are struggling to make your next move, some services available to you include:
- Internet connected computers with specialized software to help you with your search
- Trained staff who can assist you with your questions
- Resume and interview assistance so you can put your best foot forward
- Workshops on a variety of job search topics
- Job clubs and networking opportunities
- Access to job listings and employers
- Skills assessment and training assistance to help you achieve your maximum potential
Lake County Workforce Development Provides Help for Employers too!
If you are an employer who is looking for the right candidate to fit your position, or need to upgrade the skills of your current workforce, the Workforce Development Department has a variety of programs that can help you, including:
- Assistance with posting jobs and access to qualified candidates
- On-site recruitment to help you fill vacancies quickly
- Reimbursement for retraining to help you remain competitive
- On-the-job training programs for skilled workers allow employers to receive reimbursement of up to 90% of a new employees' wages
- Assistance with tax credits
Come to one of the job centers of Lake County to learn more, or visit
http://lakecountyjobcenter.com/ for more information.
Job Center locations:
Grayslake
800 Lancer Lane
Grayslake, IL
(847) 543-7400
Waukegan
1 N Genesee St., 1st Floor
Waukegan, IL
(847) 377-3450 |
| BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY | |
Doing Business with Lake County
Lake County Vendor Fair - Sept. 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Job Order Contracting Breakfast - Sept. 20, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Learn more about Lake County's Job Order Contracting program
Did you know that Lake County government spends millions of dollars annually on supplies and services?
Are you taking advantage of business opportunities with Lake County?
Do you know how to do business with Lake County?
Lake County recently launched a new "buy local" program to support Lake County businesses, and keep money in the local economy. While Lake County has always encouraged local purchasing, this is part of a broader initiative to improve relations with the business community and encourage local vendors to seek business with the county.
Lake County will hold a series of workshops for local businesses in September.
Vendor Training Sessions - Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Attendees do not need to register.
Businesses interested in learning more about opportunities with Lake County can visit www.lakecountyil.gov and click on "Doing Business" in the Quick Links. Businesses can also register to receive email notifications of bids, requests for proposal (RFP), and other solicitations.
For more information on these events, call Lake County Purchasing at 847-377-2929, or email at purchasing@lakecountyil.gov. |
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HIKE LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES | |
GREAT WAY TO ENJOY THE UPCOMING FALL WEATHER
The Lake County Forest Preserves' annual HIKE LAKE COUNTY 2011 challenge, sponsored by Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, encourages you to get outside and hike trails you may not have visited before. Complete just 7 out of 12 designated trails before November 30, and you'll earn a free shield for your walking stick.
New this year, you can also complete the challenge on your iPhone or Android smartphone. Check-in to 7 of the 12 Hike Lake County sites via our new smartphone app, available for free in the Apple App Store or Android Market (search for "Lake County Forest Preserves"). A Facebook, Twitter or Foursquare account is required to enable check-in. Show us your check-ins on your smartphone to receive your free shield.
Let your dog join in the fun!
Take your dog along with you on the 7 trails. Your canine friend will receive their own free commemorative dog tag. You can also buy an optional dog collar to hang it on.
Visit the HIKE LAKE COUNTY 2011 website for program details, and TRAIL MAPS for this year's designated hikes. |
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FARM HERITAGE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES
LIFE ON THE FARM | |
 Check out hundreds of antique tractors, cars, engines and other farm machinery as we celebrate Lake County's rural roots at the 19th Annual Farm Heritage Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
Presented by the Lake County Discovery Museum and the Lake County Farm Heritage Association, this two-day event celebrates farm life from the turn of the century to the present. The media sponsor for the Farm Heritage Festival is the Daily Herald.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for seniors (ages 55 and up) and youth ages four through 17. Children three and under are free. A two-day admission pass is also available for $12 for adults and $6 for youth and seniors. Click here for driving directions. Discount admission coupons are available. |
| COMMUNITY "QUICK LINKS" | |
For community information check out these websites:
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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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