Lake County & Forest Preserve News
Ann Maine
County Board District 21 Forest Preserve President October 2012 |
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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,
The beauty of the fall colors is a wonderful respite from the hot summer. The county board is busy preparing for our budget hearings in October. The Forest Preserve agenda in October will include an item for the tax levy; once again the levy will be lower than last year.
Lake County has participated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program. With a Class 6 community rating, residents within unincorporated Lake County who meet certain requirements are eligible for up to a 20% savings on flood insurance premiums. Residents should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information.
Note--There is an altered speed zone of 25 m.p.h. (currently posted 35 m.p.h.) on Old McHenry Rd from a point 1,577 north of Robert Parker Coffin Drive to Cuba Road.
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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Voting Information
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Registration Residents who are new to Lake County, moved to a new address in Lake County, turned 18 on or before Election Day, or have changed their name need to register to vote with local deputy registrars by Tuesday, October 9. New registrants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old on or before the election, residents of the precinct for 30 days immediately prior to Election Day, and must provide two forms of valid identification.
Registration is available at the County Clerk's office and at most municipal, township and library facilities. To find the nearest registration location, view Official Places of Voter Registration or call the County Clerk's Voter Registration Department at 847.377.2410.
 Vote by Mail Registered voters, including students away at school, traveling snowbirds or any residents choosing to vote by mail in November 6th election, may complete and download their official application for ballot at LakeVoterPower.info.
Before an official ballot can be mailed, Illinois law requires the voter to complete and sign a separate application for the election. The fillable online form must be printed and signed before mailing to Lake County Clerk, Rm. 101, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, IL 60085.
Requests for an official application may also be made by emailing VotingByMail@lakecountyil.gov or calling the Clerk's office at 847.377.2406. The last day to request a ballot by mail is November 1.
Those who vote by mail can confirm their voted ballot has been received by the Clerk's office at the site using the "Track My Ballot" feature. In order to be counted, voted ballots arriving after Election Day must bear a postmark no later than November 5, the day prior to Election Day.
LakeVoterPower.info can also be used to download a sample ballot. Many residents are unaware that there is a state wide referendum on the ballot. This can be previewed in the sample ballot.
Early Voting is October 22-November 3.
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Assessment Notices Mailed
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 Vernon Township assessment notices were mailed September 26, and the publication of the assessment changes appeared in the Pioneer Press on September 27. The assessment appeal filing deadline for Vernon Township is October 29.
West Deerfield Township assessment notices were mailed on September 12, and the assessment changes were published in the Pioneer Press on September 13. The assessment appeal filing deadline for West Deerfield Township is October 15.
Visit the Chief County Assessment Office for more information.
The Chief County Assessment Office will hold two public information meetings and 18 tax assessment help centers
this fall to help residents understand their property assessment.
View the full list of outreach sessions, or watch a video about understanding your assessment.
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SWALCO Launches Recycling Campaign
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Transportation & Construction Updates
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Milwaukee Ave north of Rt. 137. All the work thus far has been for utility relocation. On Sept. 10th, the project entered Stage I, which was when all traffic was moved to the east side of the road and construction for the southbound (west side lanes) started. This was almost five months later than originally planned. Now that the work is in Stage I, the contractor and IDOT are working to prepare a revised schedule and determine what overall impact the utility delays had and at what stage of construction they will be at entering winter shutdown at the end of this year. As soon as I know I will pass that on to you. 
Traveling to O'Hare Airport? Be aware that I-190 will have nightly lane closings from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. from now until November 15. The construction zone runs from Coleman Drive to Terminal 1 entering the airport and from Terminal 3 to Coleman Drive as you exit the airport. The Route 22 project is essentially finished! All lanes are open.
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Forest Preserves News
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 Bonner Farm Fall Festival Bring the whole family for a fun afternoon at the Bonner Farm Country Fair on Sunday October 7 from noon to 4. The cost is $3 a person and children under the age of 3 are free.
Picnic Shelter Reservations begin Monday October 15. Permits are available for the 2013 season beginning at 8 am. Most areas are first-come first-serve. However, groups larger than 25 people need a permit. For details and locations visit picnic shelter permits. Dickens: 200 Years of Celebration Through February 24. Come see the latest exhibit at the Discovery Museum.
The legendary Charles Dickens created some of the world's most memorable characters with Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim and scores of others. This exhibition introduces Dickens as the first international celebrity of the modern age. Hundreds of objects and documents from an exclusive private collection, together with a rare collection of first editions of his most famous works, tell the story of how Charles Dickens and his characters became enduring cultural icons. Institutions and organizations worldwide are commemorating this author and social critic by celebrating the bicentenary of Dickens' birthday throughout 2012. Get more Hike Lake County! This is a great time to get out and hike or bike the  preserves of Lake County. This year there is something new. Use a mobile app and join the scavenger hunt. Complete the hunt for a chance to win a Full Moon Night Hike for 10 people at the preserve of your choice.  Halloween Hikes: Take a one-hour guided group hike along a candlelit path to watch several nature-themed performances at Ryerson Woods in Deerfield, Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27. Finish off at a cozy cabin fireplace with cider and a fresh doughnut. The skits are not scary, so even your littlest will enjoy this family favorite. Get registration information.Families Exploring--After Hours Trek: Try something new as a family. Join a Lake County Forest Preserve Environmental Educator on Wednesday, October 17 at Independence Grove in Libertyville for a guided hands-on learning experience The World of Forests at Ryerson Woods. Explore nature and collect different types of leaves to determine what kind of forests we have in Lake County. The day will be filled with fun family activities, crafts and knowledge to take with you wherever you travel. Saturday Oct 13 from 10-11:30. Registration is required. Check out the entire calendar for more activities.
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Health Department Offers Annual Flu Vaccine
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 The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations to the general public. The vaccine is available by appointment only at the Health Department's Immunizations Annex at 2303 Dodge Avenue in Waukegan.
The most important step in protecting against the flu is getting an annual flu vaccine. Take everyday preventive steps, such as staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.
For more information, visit the Lake County Health Department or call 847.377.8470.
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Green Living: Help Conserve Our Groundwater
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Did you know it can take centuries for rain to replenish a groundwater aquifer? In the past, we've offered tips from the Northwest Water Planning Alliance on saving water by fixing household leaks and irrigating your lawn responsibly. You also can help conserve our groundwater supply by using bathroom fixtures, including shower heads and toilets, with a WaterSense label. For more information, visit the EPA's WaterSense.
Groundwater is not an endless supply. Help use our resource efficiently. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has excellent information on water conservation.
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Environmental Issues
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 Cleaning out the garage and basement? Updating computers for the school year? Make sure you dispose of electronics and hazardous waste correctly. SWALCO is here to help. New shoes for the school year? If they are too worn, they can still be re-used in the Reuse-A-Shoe program. They also provide a list of scrap yards and recycling centers.
Put the Green in your Halloween! Get these tips from SWALCO on having a green halloween.
Electronic recycling
Vernon Township (Road District Facility) 3050 N. Main Street
Buffalo Grove
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Community Events
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Local History Fair!
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Come get some great fall produce.The