January 5, 2012

Seal

Lake County News

From

Craig Taylor

 

Craig Taylor, Representative District 19

 
CraigTaylor
Craig Taylor, District 19 Representative (Click on picture)
Happy New Year! My holiday season was packed with activity and I was able to spend a considerable amount of time with friends and family. It was my grandsons first Christmas (he turned 1 yesterday) which made it extra special! I hope you had a relaxing, fun filled time as well!
  
I look forward to getting back to work now and continuing to serve you to the best of my ability in 2012 and beyond. Being your County Board Representative is a truly awesome and humbling privilege. I take the honor of serving you very seriously and hope you feel you're well represented. As always, if you have questions, concerns, comments or suggestions relating to the County, please contact me. I wish you all the best the New Year has to offer!
 
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

or email:  [email protected]
 
I consider it a honor and privilege to serve you!

Please stay safe!
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)
 
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREES AT SELECT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES

 

DONATE YOUR TREE 

 

Don't send your Christmas tree to the landfill, drop it off with us for recycling. Donated trees are chipped and used for trails and for landscaping at forest preserves throughout Lake County. Bring your tree to a drop-off site at one of the following forest preserves:

Drop-offs accepted at the marked sites only between December 28 and January 31. Only undecorated, real Christmas trees can be accepted; no yard waste. Commercial drop-offs are prohibited. Lake County Forest Preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, daily.

 
RECYCLE YOUR OLD HOLIDAY LIGHTS

 

FREE HOLIDAY LIGHT RECYCLING PROGRAM

 

The Village of Mundelein is partnering with Elgin Recycling, Inc., for a free holiday light recycling program that will run from December 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012. Starting December 1, individuals and families interested in recycling their old holiday lighting can bring their items to one of the following locations between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

* Village Hall - 440 E. Hawley Street

* Public Works Facility #1 - 440 E. Crystal Street

* Fire Station #1 - 1000 N. Midlothian Road

* Fire Station #2 - 1300 S. Lake Street

 

Only the light strands themselves will be taken; bulbs do not have to be removed from the strands. However, light strands connected to wreaths, garlands, or other material cannot be taken. If you have any questions or bulk drop-offs, please contact the Public Works & Engineering office at 847-949-3270

 
SNOWBIRDS & STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL IN VOTING BY MAIL PROGRAM

 

VOTE BY MAIL

  

Lake County Clerk Willard Helander reminds Lake County registered voters who spend part of the year outside of the county (usually winters) that they can enroll in the Snowbird Voting by Mail Program. Those enrolled will automatically receive an application for ballot by mail for the elections specified. Illinois law requires individuals voting by mail to complete an application for ballot before each election, and a ballot will be mailed to the voter only after the Clerk receives the signed application.

 

To enroll in the program, the voter must be a registered Lake County voter. Visit the County Clerk's web site at VotingbyMail.info to download a fillable Snowbird Voting by Mail Program enrollment form. Voters may also request a form by contacting the Elections Department at [email protected] or 847.377.2406.

   

College Students away at school need to enroll in the Temporary Absent Student Program.

 

During the voting by mail period, voters will be able to visit LakeVoterPower.info to track the Election Department's receipt of their ballot.

 

For more information about how or where to register to vote, please visit the voter registration tab on LakeCountyClerk.info or call the Voter Registration Department at 847.377.2410.
 
RECEIVE TRAFFIC INFORMATION ON YOUR SMART PHONE

 

SMART PHONE APPS

 

Are you aware of the information about traffic in Lake County that is available to you? Whether traveling in winter weather or during  road construction, this app is a must!!!!

 

Android and I-phone apps give you a list of current congestion, incidents and roadwork to help plan your commute.  Click here for an example. The system also allows users to report incidents directly to PASSAGE and submit pictures, location, and description. Did you know that Lake County has over 300 cameras at intersections and are able to view live traffic and keep your updates current? 

 

You are able to customize your commuting route. PASSAGE Email notification allows users to get Real-Time traffic information  for designated roadways throughout Lake County. To learn more, please click here

 

You can always call the transportation center at 847 377-7000 from 6 am to 7 pm from Monday through Friday to report issues, or ask questions. You will speak to a traffic center operator directly. Please put the number in your phone. 

 

Or, listen to 1620 am for updates.

 
WINTER SAFETY TIPS

 

TIPS FROM OUR LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

Winter is a great time of year for outdoor sports or sipping hot chocolate in front of a warm fire. But, winter can also be a time of illness and injury if people fail to take appropriate health and safety precautions. Following are some tips from the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center on how to avoid some of winter's woes.

 

Colds

Colds are the world's most common illness. More than 100 viruses can cause colds. While there is no vaccine to protect you, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep the humidity up in your home (between 30 and 40%) since dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with people who have colds. Build up your natural resistance by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.

 

The Flu

Influenza is an upper respiratory infection that can make persons of any age ill. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough and soreness, and aching in the back, arms and legs. Abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea are not flu symptoms, although they can be present with flu because of a coincidental condition. In protecting yourself and your family, remember that hand washing is the first line of defense against the flu. Other good habits to help prevent the spread of any respiratory illnesses are to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, stay home when you are sick, and get a flu shot.

 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. It occurs when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees or below. A 3.6 degree drop from a normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees may seem trivial, but it's drastic for vital organs. The most common victims are older persons who have difficulty keeping themselves or their homes warm in cold weather. Senior citizens should take caution that they don't turn their thermostats down too low to save money. Infants less than 1 year of age are also at risk because they lose body heat more easily than adults, and cannot make enough body heat by shivering. The condition can develop over a period of time. Even cool indoor temperatures of 60 degrees can eventually trigger hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech, hallucinations and slow and shallow breathing. If you notice these symptoms in a person, take his or her temperature. If it is 95 degrees or below, call a doctor or ambulance, or take the victim directly to the hospital.  

Those who have inadequate heating at home should visit malls or other public places to stay warm. As always, check on neighbors who live alone and never leave infants or pets alone in cold cars. When outdoors, be aware of the added effect of wind chill. For example, 20-degree air temperature combined with a 20 miles per hour wind, has the effect of 10 degrees below zero on the human body.

 

Frostbite

When spending long periods of time outdoors during cold weather, be alert for signs of frostbite. It initially occurs in the nose, ears, fingers and toes, and can happen at any temperature below 32 degrees. Frostbitten skin is whitish, and stiff and feels numb

rather than painful. Children are especially susceptible to frostbite because they can become so engrossed in their play that they overlook discomfort. To prevent frostbite,

wear hats that cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, and several layers of clothing to trap body heat. Mittens are better than gloves. To treat frostbitten skin, do not rub the area, since friction can cause further skin damage. Seek medical attention immediately. Warm the affected parts of the body with warm water for 20 to 40 minutes. Wrap the frostbitten area in blankets, sweaters, etc.

 

Snow Shoveling

You should avoid shoveling snow unless you are in good physical condition. If you become breathless, stop, go indoors and warm up before continuing. Overexertion can cause heart attacks and lifting heavy snow can cause back ailments.

 

Winter Sports Safety

Lake County's numerous inland lakes are frequently used for skating and snowmobiling during winter. If you skate on a lake or a pond, take safety precautions. Do not skate unless the ice has a uniform thickness of at least 4 inches. Have rescue devises, such as a rope, ladder and blankets on hand. Do not skate alone. If you are snowmobiling, do not travel on lakes or rivers without knowing the ice conditions. To be safe, there should be 8 inches of clear ice. While snowmobiling, also be aware that heavy or drifting snow can obscure fences, tree stumps and uneven ground. Also, be especially careful if a child is your passenger.
 

 SNOWMOBILE SAFETY

CLASS and CERTIFICATION EXAM

 

ILLINOIS SNOWMOBILE EDUCATION COURSE

 

Operations and Public Safety Facility (Lindenhurst)

January 14, 2012

8:00am - 5:00pm

For adults and families with children ages 10 and up.

 

Learn how to safely operate a snowmobile. Taught by Forest Preserve Rangers, this indoor class will prepare you for the written certification exam. Passing the exam (administered at the end of class) allows those ages 12 to 16 to operate a snowmobile without an adult.

 

The Illinois Snowmobile Education Course consists of a minimum eight hours of instruction. The educational material is based on a sixth-grade reading level. These courses cover the basics in maintenance and repair of snowmobiles, proper and safe operation, history of snowmobiling, first aid, protection of the environment and the state laws. Bring a pen, pencil, snack and lunch. View full snowmobile schedule.

 

The IDNR also suggests on-line classes. More information.
 

 LZBSA REGISTRATION FOR 2012 SEASON

 

Lake Zurich Baseball and Softball Association welcomes you to the 2012 Season Registration 


This registration session will allow you to sign consents, complete contact information and submit payment. To complete registration through their secure site, please have your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or PayPal account information available. Following the completion of this registration, you will see a charge on your account from REG.NGIN.COM.

 

In-person registration at the Ela Library is

January 7, 2012 from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm.

 

Please note that early bird fees end on January 20, 2012. Beginning January 21, 2012, registration fee is $25 higher.

 

For additional registration information, please click here: lzbsa.org

 

 PRAIRIE CROSSING BIKE PATH

 

An exciting bike path project is nearing completion!
 

The County Board recently approved agreements that will allow for the final segment of the Prairie Crossing Bike Path to be constructed next year. The segment parallels Midlothian Road along Hawley Street in Mundelein to the Grayslake trail system in the Prairie Crossing development at Casey Road north of IL Route 137.


The path will connect western Lake County communities around Wauconda and Volo to the extensive Grayslake bike path system and eventually connect the north-south Des Plaines River Trail when the IL Rte 21 widening project (funded by Lake County) is finished in 2012. The path also provides access from the adjacent residential areas to the two Prairie Crossing Metra train stations and shopping areas.

Lake County qualified for federal grant funds to offset the costs of the project because it will provide for cleaner air.
 
For more on biking in your Lake County Forest Preserves, including trail maps, please click here: BIKING IN L.C. PRESERVES
 

 LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES HORIZON

Forest Preserve Horizon Newsletter

 

To receive the award winning Lake County Forest Preserve Horizon Newsletter by email, CLICK HERE

 
COMMUNITY "QUICK LINKS"

For community information check out these websites:

 
LAKE COUNTY "QUICK LINKS"

For county information check out these websites:

 

COUNTY ASSESSOR

COUNTY CLERK

DISCOUNT DENTAL PROGRAM

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE PROGRAM

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

JOB CENTER

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES WEBSITE

LAKE COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

LAKE COUNTY WEBSITE

SOLID WASTE AGENCY of LAKE COUNTY (SWALCO)

RECORDER of DEEDS

VISITORS BUREAU

 

ROAD CONSTRUCTION/TRAFFIC "QUICK LINKS"

For transportation information check out these websites:

 

ILLINOIS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

ILLINOIS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) TRAVEL CONDITIONS

ILLINOIS TOLLWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

LAKE COUNTY PASSAGE

PDA TRAVEL UPDATES

2011 LAKE & COOK COUNTY HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

 
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