Ann Maine pink jacket

Lake County &

Forest Preserve News

From

Ann Maine 

County Board Dist 21

Forest Preserve President 

   June 2012  


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In This Issue
Property Taxes Due
Forest Preserves
Route 53
Workforce Board
Ft. Sheridan Open House
Health Department
Transportation
Jobs & Business News
Community Events
Archives


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Tollway Construction

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A Note From Ann


Dear Neighbors,


I had tried to send this newsletter to you the other day and there were a series of IT problems that stalled it.  I'm sorry I couldn't get the tax bill reminder to you earlier.

On June 6 the first installment of your property tax bill is due.  Read below for payment options. 

In May the Forest Preserve approved it's budget.  For the 3rd year in a row we have decreased our levy, while maintaining a AAA bond rating.  We are one of only 2 Forest Preserve Districts nationwide with this rating from S & P.  We were able to do this through additional streamlining of operations made possible through office consolidation. 

Lake County is committed to becoming more sustainable.  And we want your input on June 13.  Details on this and other environmental news below.

The lovely spring weather has everyone outside.However there are some health hazards.  Be sure to read the Health news with important information from the Health Department.

Remember, you can view the agendas and watch the meetings  both the Forest Preserve and the County Board.  




Sincerely,

  

Ann

  

Ann B. Maine

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: [email protected] or click "join our mailing" list above.


.   

     

 

First Installment of Property Taxes  

Due June 6  

 

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).   

  

Visit the Treasurer's web site for payment options.     

 
Payments can be made at most local banks
or in person at the Lake County Treasurer's office. Due date office hours are 8:30 am to 7:00 pm.

You can also make
On-line payment.

Mailed payments must be postmarked by June 6, 2012.

You can check your payment status
 
As of June 7, 2012 all late payments including walk-ins or mailed  must include 1 1/2% penalty per month or portion thereof.
   

Important notice: Those homeowners who depend on the U.S. Postal Service to "Temporarily Forward" their bill to a second location should be aware that due to new postal regulations, your future bills may not be forwarded as they have in the past.   If you have depended on this, I encourage you to visit the Treasurer's web site.  Once the annual tax bills are available, a notification will be mailed.  Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer of penalty if payment is late.    

 

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

 

play video


Forest Preserve and Environmental Happenings

   

 

Eagle Nest Discovered

An active bald eagle nest was recently roosting bald eagles 

discovered at the Fox River Preserve and Marina in Port Barrington. The bald eagle pair is nesting alongside double-crested cormorants and great blue herons in a well-established rookery along the Fox River.

 

 

 

 

FriendsRWlogo

Friends of Ryerson Woods needs your help-and you can win!

 

Win 2 passes to the Outdoor Film Festival at Ryerson Woods.  Just take this 5 minute online survey      

  

 

 

 

 

New Nature Cam

In March, the forestry crew set up two motion-detection cameras in a tree adjacent to a great horned owl nest in Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa. Four cameras were also placed at ground level, in hopes of capturing the fledgling owlets and other wildlife in this area. These special infrared cameras are able to record wildlife acting naturally, reducing the stress that flash photography can cause.

 

 

New Lake County Nature Blog

For many of us when we think of having meaningful experiences BirdSpring in the outdoors we think of the grand vistas of large National Parks or long road-trips to far-away destinations. However, what might be most beneficial for our health and environment is finding our own nature niches close to home. Connect daily, not once a year. Visit the new  Lake County Nature blog to discover what's happening seasonally, and find your own nature niches in Lake County.

 

 

Did you know that 2011-2012 is the International Year of the Bat?  These wonderful creatures are facing many hardships.  In addition to loss of habitat, white-nose bat syndrome is wiping out many colonies.  Luckily the large colony at Lakewood preserve is healthy.    The Forest Preserve is offering programs on bats and acoustic monitoring.  Learn how they use echolocation to find their food.
 
Although it is rare, some bats in Lake County are rabid.  Do not approach a bat (or other wild animal).  Please read below in the health section for more information on bats and rabies.
 

See the entire schedule of events offered by the
 Forest Preserve.
 

 

  

Postcard Donation

Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of the Estee Lauder Companies, has donated more than 35,500 Raphael Tuck & Sons Oilette postcards to the Lake County Discovery Museum's Curt Teich Postcard Archives. The donation is valued at about $260,000 and includes funding for the storage, preservation, cataloging, and digitization of the postcards.   A well-known philanthropist and businessman, Mr. Lauder began collecting postcards at the age of eight. The Tuck Oilette postcard collection is part of a larger collection amassed by Lauder over nearly 50 years of collecting.

 

The Teich Archives is a world renowned collection of postcards and materials relating to their production dating from the 1890s to the present. The Teich Archives is used daily by researchers for a variety of projects including restoration of historical buildings and landscaping, scholarly papers, genealogy, elementary and high school history fairs, and as illustrations in textbooks, advertisements, magazines, and newspapers.

 

 

Route 53/120 Advisory Council Recommends Moving Forward on Lake County Corridor Project 

 

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 David Stolman, Lake County Board Chair, 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:

 

Watch the May 18 Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council meeting

Read the Illinois Tollway news release

Visit the Tollway website: Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council 

 

An Inside Look: Workforce Investment Board

 

The 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".

 

Ft. Sheridan Forest Preserve Planning Open House 

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

Midwest Young Artists Center, 878 Lyster Rd., Highwood

 

Ft. Sheridan aerialThe 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.  

 

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

 

Health Department News

 

Health Dept. logoHealth Department Activates West Nile Virus Hotline

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.   

  

Bats and Rabies

Anyone who has direct contact with a bat or notices a bat acting in an unusual manner, such as flying in daylight, or lying on the ground or in your home, should contact the Health Department's Animal Care and Control program at (847) 949-9925. If the bat is inside of your house, do not chase it away because it may be needed for rabies testing. Close the doors and keep people away from the room where the bat is located. Trained animal wardens will remove the bat at no cost to the resident or refer the caller to the appropriate jurisdiction. Health officials urge residents to avoid touching, hitting or destroying bats. When dead bats are submitted to state labs for rabies testing, they need to be undamaged.

Parents should make sure children know that they should never touch bats, especially those clinging to a tree or lying near or on the ground. The bat may not be dead, just ill, and could bite. Bats have small, sharp teeth and a bite may go unnoticed. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your bedroom, if you see a bat in the room of an unattended young child, or if you see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, consult a doctor or the Health Department.  

 

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.

 

 

Transportation Update 

 

 

  Construction

  

Route 22

If you've been through this area lately  you've seen the progress on the new lanes (while sitting in the traffic).  Westbound traffic on Route 22 (Half Day Road) will be placed on the newly constructed westbound lanes on or around June 18, 2012.  The changeable  message signs will give you the most up to day information. There will still be only one lane of traffic in each direction until both the median work and the road work on the south side of Rt. 22 is complete.   

 

The Village of Deerfield is resurfacing parts of Deerfield Road (between Waukegan Rd and Rt. 41) as part of their street rehabilitation project.  Expect daily road closures beginning June 5 through June 8, weather permitting.

 

Rt 21 and Rt 137 area is still under construction.  Local businesses remain open!! 

 

Keep abreast of all road projects in Lake County. 


 The bridge deck repairs and resurfacing at the Everett Road over the I94 tollway begins June 4.  A few of you have asked why is this being done now.  We have a 4 year cycle of testing pavements to make sure they don't deteriorate.  We know that small fixes cost less in the long run, so at the appropriate time we will spend money to keep the road in good working order. 


What is it?  Lake County's real time traffic information.  Fin
d out about crashes, construction and
androis passage
download for android
congestion  before you leave home or work.  Now you can down load aps  for your 
iphone  or your  android. 
You can also sign up for traffic alerts on designated roads and receive an email.  It's simple to register, then create a custom profile and receive emails when your drive is affected by weather, congestion, equipment malfunctions, or other conditions.

Follow
Lake County PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE and get real-time traffic tweets.     
intersection design, environmental enhancements, and land use policies for adjacent development. 

 

Environmental News 

 


yellowwarbler
Attract songbirds and butterflies to your yard!

Attend an interesting and informative talk on how to attract Songbirds and Butterflies to Your Yard

Thursday, June 7 
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

Ryerson Woods Welcome Center,
21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015 

The cost is $25 ($20 for Conserve Lake County and Friends of Ryerson Woods members)

Make your lawn eco-friendly
  

Thursday, June 21, 7 - 8:30 p.m
Steve Pincuspy, Program Coordinator for WRD Environmental, presents a variety of natural lawn care techniques that deliver solid results. Whether you hire a company or handle your own lawn care, this talk will provide valuable tips that allow you to move from conventional lawn care to a more natural approach, thereby reducing health and environmental concerns. This program is presented in partnership with Friends of Ryerson Woods and supports our Conservation@Home program.

$25 ($20 Conserve Lake County and Friends of Ryerson Woods members).   Register with Conserve Lake County 

 


Lake  County Sustainability Forum

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Lake County Central Permit Facility
500 W. Winchester Road
Libertyville, IL 60048

For more information or if you would like to RSVP for the meeting, please contact Jessica Simoncelli, CMAP Community Outreach Associate at [email protected] or call 312-386-8631.

This event is free to the public, and sign-in will open at 6:00 p.m.  Light refreshments will be available.  You can


Recycle symbol

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. 

 

 There are many small items that can be recycled.  While it may not seem like a lot, they all add up.  Why is this important?  Our landfills in Lake County have about 10 more years of life!  After that we will need to find other places for our waste.   

 

 

Consider donating or shopping at Habitat for Humanity Restore Lake County New and used building materials/home furnishings, include: cabinets, windows, flooring, doors, fixtures, furniture, paint  and more.   They are also an electronics recycling center!  At the same time you help fund affordable,durable housing for families in need.

 

 

Financial, Job & Business News

 

Visit Lake County has lots of great information for residents too!
 
The College of Lake County's Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC)assists in assessing the viability and developing business ventures within the Lake County.  Discover all they have to offer. 
 
You can also visit Career Chat  for a number of helpful videos. 
 
Find out

Current listing of Lake County Jobs.

Current listing of Forest Preserve jobs.

Find out what Lake County Partners has to offer current or prospective employers. 

Community Events


For the latest in your community, visit its web site.

  

Grayslake                       Green Oaks 
Lake Forest                    Libertyville           
 
 
MainStreet Libertyvilleis sponsoring  Car Fun on 21 on June 20 you can enjoy the music of Miss Demeanor and the Attitudes.  Be sure to visit their website often to keep up on all the events!  
 
On Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Gardeners of Central Lake County is sponsoring a free local garden walk.  Visit their web site for maps and details.  
 

See what's new at  Vernon Area Public library. 

 

Cook Memorial Library District is sponsoring a number of programs.  Check out their calendar of events for details.

 

 

Vernon Township is once again holding a community garage sale Saturday June 9 from 10 an-3 pm.  You can get an application or call 847-634-4600 for more information. 

 

 

If your village, township, library district or school is having an event that is open to the public, let me know and if space allows I'll include it in the newsletters. 


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