 Lake County & Forest Preserve News
Ann Maine, County Board District 21 Forest Preserve President |
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I encourage you to to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address to me at amaine@lakecountyil.gov or click "join our mailing list" above.
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| Newsletter Archive |
Click here to view past issues of Lake County News from Ann Maine.
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A Note from Ann
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Dear Neighbors,
At the June County Board meeting we approved an updated All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. This is necessary to be eligible for FEMA funds associated with flooding, severe now storms and other hazards. We also approved a contract for the annual water main replacement program. We have been working on a steady replacement of aging infrastructure.
At the Forest Preserve meeting we had a presentation on the Emerald Ash Borer. The choice of replacement trees really depends on the location--the Morton Arboretum can offer good information. Unfortunately, if you have an ash tree on your property, you should assume it will die; there has been some success with injection treatments for the trees.
Remember that you can view the agendas and watch the meetings for both the Forest Preserve and the County Board online, any time!
Please let me know if you would like me to come and meet with your homeowner's association, scout or other group to discuss local or county issues.
Sincerely,
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Celebrate the Independence Day Holiday Safely
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Dry Weather Conditions Increase Risk for Wildfires
 Unusually dry weather across northeastern Illinois has led to increased risk for wildfires, and has resulted in several significant brush and grass fires in Lake County over the past week. Therefore, the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency are warning residents to celebrate safely over the Fourth of July holiday by refraining from using sparklers or illegal personal fireworks. "Any fireworks can produce sparks that can start wildfires when conditions are very dry. A fire that starts is likely to grow and spread quickly," Lake County Emergency Management Coordinator Kent McKenzie said. "Also, fires of any kind can be dangerous, including campfires, bonfires, and even cooking grills when not used safely, so we urge residents to use extreme caution." Agencies across the area will be enforcing Illinois laws regarding fireworks, open burning, and hazardous conditions. Residents are encouraged to attend professional fireworks displays because they are closely monitored for safety.
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Forest Preserves News |
 Civil War Days at Lakewood Fire Preserve July 8 & 9
Hear the crack of gunfire and the boom of cannons at the Lake County Forest Preserves' 21st annual Civil War Days at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, Saturday, July 7 from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, July 8 from 9 am to 3 pm.The battle starts at 3 on Saturday and 1:30 on Sunday. Please note, only service dogs allowed at this event. You can get a discount ticket or Read more.
Events in the Plaza Independence Grove Concert Series
These Tuesday evening concerts begin on at 7:30 p.m. on July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; and August 7, weather permitting. In case of a rainout, concerts are held on Thursday of the same week. Entertainment may change on rainout concerts. There is a $5 parking fee. See the list planned concerts.
BatFest is back!
Come celebrate the International Year of the Bat with the bat colony at Lakewood Forest Preserve.
July 14 6:00 pm-9:30 pm.
No registration needed, but there is a small fee. Learn more.
 Enjoy a twilight paddle for ages 12 and up (adult supervision required)
Thursday July 19 7:30 pm-9:30 pm
Van Patten Woods
Read about all the Forest Preserve Programs.
Win Free Passes to Film Festival at Ryerson Woods
The Friends of Ryerson Woods, a nonprofit organization that partners with the Lake County Forest Preserves to connect people with nature, is currently seeking public feedback to help them better understand how to make these nature connections. Please take a few minutes to complete their online survey and get a free pass for two to the Outdoor Film Festival at Ryerson Woods on August 25.
 Discovery Museum Participates in Blue Star Program
This summer, the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda is participating in Blue Star Museums to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families. The free admission program runs through Labor Day, September 5, 2012. It is available to active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members bearing a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1, and up to five immediate family members. View a map and list of other participating museums.
Let the Sun Shine
As part of the continuing restoration and management of 11 preserves, the Lake County Forest Preserves is conducting selective removal of invasive and native woody species from Greenbelt, Lyons Woods, Middlefork Savanna, Spring Bluff, Wadsworth Savanna, and the Southern Des Plaines River forest preserves. The goal of these projects is to improve controlled burn management and increase light levels to support oak regeneration, as well as the native shrub and ground-layer plants. Read more.
Fort Hill Trail Tunnel Now Open
The Fort Hill Trail tunnel and Gilmer Road Trail parking lot are now open. Some minor work remains, but will not interrupt use of the parking lot. The tunnel offers trail users a safe connection between Lakewood and Ray Lake. Preserve trails at Ray Lake are also now open to equestrians. There is no equestrian parking at Ray Lake. The Fort Hill Trail is open to hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. View trail map.
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Community 4th of July Celebrations
|  With the 4th of July on Wednesday, there are a number of celebrations throughout the week in many communities.
Libertyville's celebration begins with a band concert at 7:30 in Butler park followed by fireworks.
The Village of Deerfield Family Days: July 3 and 4 includes a parade, pancake breakfast, fireworks and more! Read the entire schedule.
The Lincolnshire Community Association has a full schedule of events including the 5K  race, pancake breakfast and more. Check out Red, White and Boom, 2012.
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Dog Park Updates
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We know how popular the dog exercise areas are with the dogs and their owners. Unfortunately the pond at Prairie Wolf suffered some erosion and is closed. We do have the needed permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and will begin repairs on July 2. The dog exercise area will remain open, although there may be some minor interruptions when the equipment is brought to and from the pond.
The exercise area at Independence Grove is open.
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Recycling Education Efforts Coming This Fall
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 The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is partnering with the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) to urge Lake County residents - who already recycle in impressive numbers-to kick up their efforts even more. This is part of a national program designed to help communities grow their curbside recycling programs through education. Through this partnership, SWALCO and its members will implement a campaign designed to increase awareness for curbside recycling, grow participation and ultimately boost the volume of recycling. Many Lake County residents are already doing a great job, and this campaign will help them understand how they can do even better. For more information contact Walter Willis at 847-336-9340 or visit SWALCO's website.
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SWALCO to Hold Mobile Household Chemical Waste Event July 7 at Deerfield High School
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SWALCO will hold a Mobile Household Chemical Waste (HCW) Event on July 7 at Deerfield High School, 1959 North Waukegan Road, in Deerfield, IL. Residents from around the county may simply come to the mobile location between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to drive through and drop off their HCW materials. Please visit the SWALCO website for a general list of items that are and are not accepted. |
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Health Dept. Provides Hot Weather Health Tips
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As the weather gets hot and humid, it is important to take precautions against heat-related illness. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy. The Lake County Health Department offers tips to avoid heat-related illnesses such as: drinking extra fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, eating small meals and staying in air conditioning. Health Department officials ask Lake County residents to keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be caused by over-exposure to direct sunlight. For a full list of tips, symptoms of heat related illness and other important information, read the full news release or visit the Health Department's website.
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Construction Updates
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Peterson Rd Detour
The Canadian National Railroad has informed the Lake County Division of Transportation of its intention to close the railroad crossing on Peterson Road, Lake County Route A-33, for scheduled repairs. The closure of the crossing will begin at 7:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Peterson Road should reopen to thru traffic on the morning of Tuesday, July 17, 2012.
The signed detour route for this closure will be Midlothian Road, Lake County Route V- 73, to Winchester Road, Lake County Route A-34 to U.S Route 45. Local traffic will be allowed from Midlothian Road, Lake County Route V-73, to Franklin Boulevard and from U.S. Route 45 to Industrial Drive.
 The bridge deck work on Everett road is scheduled to switch sides on July 2. If the weather co-operates, the work will be done in early August.
The Route 22 project through the Village of Banncockburn will be shifting traffic lanes. The majority of the work on Waukegan Road is scheduled to finish August 20, 2012
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Community Events
| The Lake County Fair runs from July 25-July 29.
There is fun for the whole family. Events include the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, livestock, music and more!!
Have some great food at the Taste of Lincolnshire July 13-July 15 at the Village Green of Lincolnshire.
Local libraries offer a number of programs, as well as a cool place to sit down and enjoy a book. The theme of Cook Library summer reading program is Dream Big: Read.
The Vernon Area Library is sponsoring Reading is So Delicious as well as other programs.
 Sundays from 5:00-6:30 pm bring a picnic to Mitchell Park in Deerfield and listen to a concert. Sponsored by the Deerfield Park District.
MainStreet Libertyville has a full summer schedule of events including the Dog Days of Summer July 5-July 8 as well as the ever popular Out to Lunch every Friday from 11 am-1 pm in Cook Park. Enjoy food and music and smell the roses.
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Farmer's Markets
| With summer in full swing the farmer's markets are bursting with delicious fruits and vegetables. This year there are more choices than ever to stop by a market at home or near work.
Libertyville Market on Thursdays from 7 am-1p.m. on Church St.
Lake Bluff Market on Fridays from 7 am to 12 pm on the Village Green.
Green Oaks Market on Fridays from 1 pm-6 pm at Lamb's Farm on Rt. 176 near I-94.
Deerfield Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the metra lot on
Deerfield Rd just east of the train station.
Lincolnshire Market every other Thursday beginning June 21 from 11: a.m.-2:30 p.m. at 300 Knightsbridge Parkway in the Lincolnshire Corporate Park.
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Voter Power: Print Certificates of Registration
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All registered Lake County voters can now print their Voter's Certificate of Registration card by visiting the County Clerk's web site. In November 2011, every Lake County registered voter received a new Voter's Certificate of Registration. If your card has been misplaced, print your replacement card by visiting LakeVoterPower.info and entering information to confirm voter registration status. Follow the link for "Certificate of Registration" to produce the new card.
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Watch for Ticks During Time Outdoors!
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 Warm weather means that residents are spending more time in the great outdoors. More time outside increases the chance of an encounter with a tick. Senior Biologist Mike Adam speaks to residents about how to avoid a bite from these potential carriers of Lyme disease. Watch this video to learn about tick prevention and treatment:
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IEMA, National Weather Service Remind Public of Lightning Dangers
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 When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors," is the mantra for national Lightning Safety Awareness Week. June 24-30. Warm summers are perfect for outdoor events and activities, but they also can aid in the development of thunderstorms. Meteorologists say the three steps to staying safe are to avoid the threat, take action, and let others know about the threat. IEMA and the National Weather Service offer tips on when and where to take shelter in case of lightning. They also remind that people should not hesitate to help someone who has been struck by lightning. If a person is struck, immediate medical attention is critical. For full release and additional tips on lightning safety, visit the Ready Illinois website or contact IEMA at 217-785-9925. Read full news release: |
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