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Lake County &
Forest Preserve News
From
Ann Maine
County Board Dist 21
Forest Preserve President
December 2011
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A Note From Ann
| Dear Neighbors,
One of the most important aspects of Lake County is the ability of residents to know what their government is doing. You can view the agendas and watch the meetings both the Forest Preserve and the County Board.
The end of the year typically brings "Top 10" lists. While these are often fun, sometimes they are very serious. I want to share with you a very troubling trend not only of this year, but of the past few years. That is the increase in crime and deaths due to heroin in the Chicago area and in Lake County. In this Behind the Badge, Sheriff Mark Curran discusses Heroin in Lake County.
I am always glad to hear of your concerns, interests and ideas. Please let me know if you'd like me to speak with your homeowner's association, scout or other group.
Sincerely,
President Lake County Forest Preserve District
Lake County Board District 21
847-374-9787
Help me go paperless! I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address information to: amaine@lakecountyil.gov or click "join our mailing" list above.
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Forest Preserve and Environmental Happenings |
This special show contains 70 images of photographs hand-printed by the artist for his daughter; Adams considered these to be some of his best work.
The exhibit has not been in the Chicago area before; it runs through  January 8, 2012. Admission fees include general admission to the museum. Adults: $6, Youth (ages 4-17): $2.50, Students (ages 18-25) & Seniors (ages 55+): $3, Children 3 and under: free. On discount Tuesdays Adults cost $3 and youth (17 and under) are free.Download a coupon for $1 off. The first t  races of snow on December 1 were enough for the cross country skiers to think of their favorite trails! Don't let the winter weather keep you in. Head for your favorite Forest Preserve. You can now download trail maps.December 1 was the first day to buy permits. Remember that we have moved to our new headquarters: 1899 Winchester Road, Libertyville, (right across from the entrance to the soccer complex). You may purchase your dog park, horse trail, model airplaine and picnic permits on-line. The Hispanic Celebration La Posada will be celebrated at the Greenbelt Cultural Center December 18 from 3 pm-5 pm. All ages are welcome to this free event that features music, the traditional re-enactment of the nativity journey as well as refreshments. Looking for something to do with the kids during holiday break? Come out to the Lake County Discovery Museum on Friday December 30, 11 am-1 pm. Kids will learn how the New Year is celebrated around the world and make their own party favors to take home. All ages. Free with Museum admission. Registration not required. School and Scouting Programs.
View the Complete Calendar of Events.
Download the latest Horizon magazine.
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Transportation Update
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If you drive--you need Passage! What is it? Lake County's real time traffic information. Find out about crashes, construction and congestion before you leave home or work.
 | | download for android |
Now you can down load apps for your iphone or your android. You can also sign up for traffic alerts on designated roads and receive an email. It's simple: register at www.lakecountypassage.com; create a custom profile; and receive emails when your drive is affected by weather, congestion, equipment malfunctions, or other conditions. You can also follow Lake County PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE and get real-time traffic tweets. The winter weather brings a new set of challenges for drivers--snow and ice. In addition, the complex road system means that a number of different agencies are responsible for plowing the roads--municipal, township, county, state and toll authority. You may drive on 3, 4 or all of these roads getting to work or running errands. Lake County DOT has been using technology for Snow Command Operations Office to not only reduce the amount of salt (which damages the water table and plants), but also to dispatch snowplow trucks, monitor weather conditions, observe PASSAGE information and monitor snowplow truck location and material use via our AVL-GPS. This can increase customer service, while saving money.
Many people are surprised to read of the many bike paths built by Lake County DOT. As part of our Complete Streets Program, whenever we are involved in a road project we investigate the possibility of enhancing non-motorized travel. We now have a new web page Transit and Paratransit Services in Lake County. Visit it to find links and information on ways to get about Lake County. While Lake County doesn't provide all the services, this centralized location for information will be useful for many. Most projects are buttoned up for the winter. However, the planning continues. I'll keep you posted on major projects in the District 21 area; if you want information on projects throughout Lake County visit Lake County Construction Updates.
NEW SEAT BELT LAW EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1st
New Seatbelt Law Effective 1/1/12 . The State of Illinois recently enacted legislation that requires use of seatbelts in all areas of a vehicle. Make sure you buckle up in the back seat too. ALSO, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE YOUNG DRIVERS IN YOUR FAMILY KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW LAW AND UNDERSTAND IT.
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Election Update
|  The 2010 Federal census lead to the 2011 redistricting, resulting in new County Board, State and Congressional Districts. This also required redrawing precinct lines. The popularity of early voting --almost one-third of voters--means fewer people vote on election day. As a result, we have consolidated precincts. You should have received a Certificate of Voter Registration Card from the County Clerk's Office, with all your updated information.
When practicable, precincts were drawn to minimize district lines bisecting a precinct and creating more than one ballot style. While most people are voting at the same location, it is important to look at the other details as other state, federal and local districts may have changed. Visit the Voter Power page to view your current and November 2012 districts, early and election day voting sites and new precinct maps.
In the coming weeks I'll have more information on the changes in voting by mail and early voting dates and locations for the March 20 primary.
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Health News: Pertussis Outbreak
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Across Lake County, and the state, whooping cough cases are on the rise. As of December 8, health officials reported 138 confirmed cases, which is the highest number of cases reported in Lake County in five years. Early diagnosis and treatment is key in treating whooping cough, also known as Pertussis. This illness is highly contagious in the early stages and can be dangerous in small children. See a doctor if you have a cough lasting more than seven days, if you are experiencing prolonged coughing spells which may leave you short of breath, and cough medicine does not help. Often in between coughing spells, the person does not appear sick.
Get a fact sheet from Lake County Health Department. You can get additional
information on pertussis from the CDC.
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Toys for Tots
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FOREST PRESERVE COLLECTION SITE
The Lake County Forest Preserve General Offices in Libertyville is an official collection site for the Marines Toys for Tots campaign this holiday. The office is located at 1899 West Winchester Road in Libertyville. MAP IT
Donations of new unwrapped toys are welcome from the public. If you would like to donate, please drop your items in the lobby box by December 15. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Carlstone at 847-968-3151, or lcarlstone@lcfpd.org.
There are additional drop off sites including Vernon Area Public Library during regular library hours through Dec. 16. The library is open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 - 5 p.m. on Sundays.
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Help in Lake County
| PADS Lake County is in desperate need of Extra Large/Heavy Duty Backpacks & School Backpacks, disposable bowls & spoons for cereal. Gift cards to Sam's, Walmart, Kmart, Target and Walagreen's are also needed. For more information, contact Lynn Flynn at lflynn@padslakecounty.org. They request that you please contact them before you plan an in-kind donation drive.
Lake County and the United Way have produced a guide of services in Lake County. Use it to connect to local services.
Your local townships have food pantries and other assistance.
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Environmental News
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Want to find out where to recycle many items around the house? SWALCO can help! Visit: Where can my stuff go? This information is updated frequently, so visit often. December is a time many buy new computers and other electronics. Electronics Disposal Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1 Beginning January 1, it will no longer be legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, electronic keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.
The Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act, which took effect in 2008, required manufacturers to establish a recycling program for discarded and unwanted electric products, if they sell their products in Illinois. This newest phase will include individual citizens in the effort to keep electronics, which contain a variety of potentially toxic contaminants, out of the state's 48 active landfills.
Visit the Illinois EPA for information on requirements for individuals and for manufacturers, a list of registered collectors, as well as a complete listing of all electronic items included in the ban.
Get more information. Or call Merleanne 847-336-9340 x 4 |
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Financial, Job & Business News
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The State of Illinois has a new law--unclaimed paychecks are sent to the state after 1 year instead of 5. But you can still get your money back. Check
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Help with Foreclosures
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Emergency Forgivable Loans of up to $25,000 for Families Facing Foreclosure
The Illinois Hardest Hit Fund offers families facing foreclosure some help while they get back on their feet. Eligible Lake County residents may receive up to $25,000 to help bring their mortgage current, and to assist with ongoing monthly payments for up to 18 months. Eligibility criteria can be found online. Lake County residents will work with the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County (AHC), a HUD-certified nonprofit agency, to receive free guidance and loan coordination services. AHC also offers information sessions and other helpful information at 847/263-7478. There is no cost to apply. Illinois anticipates assisting about 15,000 households. Don't delay in applying, as applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis.
Illinois Hardest Hit Fund
Emergency Forgivable Loans of up to $25,000 for Families Facing Foreclosure
The State of Illinois and the U.S. Department of the Treasury are working together to assist 15,000 Illinois homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. The Illinois Hardest Hit Fund will provide families facing foreclosure with some much-needed breathing room while they get back on their feet.
In Lake County, residents will be working with the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County, a nonprofit HUD-certified agency, to obtain free guidance and loan coordination services.
Eligible participants of the Illinois Hardest Hit Fund may receive up to $25,000 as a 10-year loan to bring their mortgage current, and to assist with ongoing monthly payments for up to 18 months. The loan is forgiven over the last 5 years of the 10-year term, and carries no interest.
Eligibility criteria includes, but is not limited to:
- Household has experienced a 25% reduction in income due to unemployment or under- employment through no fault of their own.
- Gross household income does not exceed 120% of area median income ($89,750 for a family of four).
- Principal loan balance is less than $500,000.
- Household liquid assets do not exceed 3 months mortgage payment.
- Property must be located in Illinois, may be a 1-4 unit building, and must be the primary and only residence of all borrowers/owners.
- Homeowners must have a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan; interest-only and negative amortization loan not allowed.
- Delinquency and necessary assistance may not exceed $25,000.
- Applicants have not been convicted of a mortgage-related felony in the last 10 years.
To begin, applicants must log onto www.illinoishardesthit.org, the official and only website of the program. There is no fee to apply. Homeowners are encouraged to be aware of the prevalence of mortgage assistance fraud; no genuine assistance program requires a fee.
Applicants are also encouraged to attend an information session at the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County by contacting
or 847/263-7478. This will help homeowners better understand the program, and assist them in submitting their application package properly so as to avoid delays.
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Community Events
| Many villages have special holiday activities. For the latest in your community, visit their web site.
Bannockburn Deerfield Green Oaks
Lake Forest Libertyville Lincolnshire
Mettawa Riverwoods
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Lake County News Archive
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Click here to view past issues of Lake County News from Ann Maine.
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Do you have guests coming for holidays or some college students home? Here's a great opportunity close to home. The