Lake County & Forest Preserve News
Ann Maine
County Board District 21 Forest Preserve President March 2013 |
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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 last I can send a newsletter with no snow warning in it!
This year will be the busiest construction year in the history of the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT). Over the next five years, Lake County will invest $557 million toward transportation.
Recently the board took action on the following projects:
* $19 million intersection improvement at Fairfield Road and Rte. 176 (includes reconstruction and widening, new traffic signals, and signal coordination * PASSAGE expansion (includes 20 new signals, cameras, fiber optics and wireless links)
*RIght of Way Acquisition for the reconstruction and widening of Quentin Road and for a roundabout at River Road and Roberts 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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Provide Input at Community Forums and Help Shape Lake County's Future
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As your Lake County Board member, I want to know what's important to you so our strategic plan represents the community's priorities. Lake County is holding five community forums to engage in meaningful dialogue with residents and stakeholders. You can help shape important policy and budget decisions, and influence where the County will focus its resources. The Lake County Board will thoughtfully consider this input as it develops its long-term strategic plan. You have a voice in this process!
Learn more about the community forums and view the dates and locations.
March 6 at Trinity International University in Deefield
March 12 at LC Health Department on Grand Ave in Waukegan
March 13 at Lakewood Forest Preserve
All programs have an hour open house from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an hour session that enables you to give your input. If you can't attend, you can still submit suggestion on line.
Watch this short video or visit forums for more information.
Please help spread the word about the forums by sharing with your neighbors, friends and co-workers, and posting to Facebook and Twitter.
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| Lake County Launches New Online Mapping Application |
Lake County has transformed its Online  Mapping Application increasing transparency and providing users with easy access to maps, tax and property information, and other interactive features. Visit the new and improved mapping tool site.
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Meet the New State's Attorney: Watch County Update
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 Newly elected Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim discusses his goals and priorities in this edition of County Update. Some of his initiatives include an independent case review panel, the alternative prosecution program for first-time offenders, and maintaining open communication between his office and the public.
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Forest Preserves News
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Summer Camp Registration has opened!
It's not too early to think about summer camp. The Forest Preserves  offer a number of interesting, reasonably priced camps for many ages. You can read the entire brochure.Mucha: Expanding Art NouveauView beautiful and rare Art Nouveau objects by Czech artist Alphone Mucha at t he Lake County Discovery Museum. The exhibition features an exclusive peek at objects from the Curt Teich Postcard Archives John High Collection, one of the world's leading  collections of Mucha postcards. Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) is considered a key figure in the Art Nouveau movement, an art style characterized by delicate colors and organic, sinuous designs, which first gained popularity in the 1880s. The exhibition showcases the range and influence of Mucha's work through everyday and commercial objects. Magazine covers, decorative tins, folio plates, jewelry, currency, book illustrations and other objects will be on display, along with a replica fa�ade of the Paris shop Mucha designed for jeweler George Fouquet. The exhibition runs through Aug. 25 and is supported by Media Sponsor, the Daily Herald. Call the museum at 847.968.3400, or visit online for more information.
Ecologists find a rare aquatic species in southern Lake County  During stream monitoring this past summer, Nick Huber and other ecologists of the Lake County Forest Preserve District discovered several dozen Mississippi grass shrimp, Palaimonetes kadikensis, in a forest preserve along the Des Plaines River in southern Lake County. Due to the fact that you can see right through them, this species is also commonly referred to as glass shrimp. The shrimp were officially identified and documented in late January. This is the first documentation of the species in Lake County, Illinois. This is a rare find for northeastern Illinois. The only other known locations are in the Kankakee River and Otter Creek in Kane County. This find is also very encouraging, as Mississippi grass shrimp are indicative of cleaner water systems. Their presence holds promise for the improvement of aquatic habitats within and surrounding the Des Plaines River. Evening Hikes
Home from work late? Want to get some exercise? Take your own night hike at one of 2 lighted trails in the Preserves. Both Old School Forest Preserve and Lakewood Winter sports area have solar lighted trails open until sunset. It's Maple Syrup Time!
Join us for the popular maple syrup hikes at Ryerson Woods.  Registration is required for these one hour hikes where you learn all about how this delicious food is made. Spots fill up quickly so register now!Learn more about all the programs offered by checking out the LCFPD calendar.For more details on this exciting find or information about current habitat restoration projects, follow the Lake County Forest Preserves on Facebook or visit the Lake County Forest Preserves.
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Lake County Division of Transportation Celebrates 100 Years
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This year, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will celebrate 100 years of service to Lake County. A transportation system that started out as dirt roads is now an impressive network of safe and efficient roadways, intersections, roundabouts and bike  paths. Throughout the year, LCDOT will be celebrating this milestone with pictures, videos, stories and special events. Make sure to check the website for updates, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook with "#lcdot100". If you have special memories of the evolution of the Lake County road network, or historic pictures that you'd like to share, send us an email at lcdot100@lakecountyil.gov. |
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Lake County Board of Review Exam Scheduled for March 21
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The Board of Review is currently seeking alternate board members to assist with assessment appeal hearings from October 2013 through January 2014. An exam will be conducted by the Illinois Department of Revenue on Thursday, March 21, at 9 a.m. in the Lake County Administration Building located at 18 North County Street in Waukegan.
To be eligible, a person must be a resident of Lake or McHenry Counties, be qualified by experience and training in real estate, and have passed an examination prepared and administered by the Department of Revenue.
For an application, additional information and study materials contact the Board of Review. Completed applications must be returned no later than 10 a.m. on March 20. Lake County Board of Review, 847-377-2190 |
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United Way Programs Help Lake County Children Succeed in School
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The United Way of Lake County has focused on four programs to help Lake County children and their families to prepare for and stay engaged in the educational process: "Success By 6," "Reading Success," "Stay In School," and "Safe And Stable Families." In this edition of "Doing Good Deeds For You," learn how the United Way identified these areas of need, and how the United Way has structured these programs for success. Viewers will also learn how they can volunteer for United Way programs.
Watch now.
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| Voter Registration for April 9th Consolidated Election | |
 Lake County residents will elect officials to serve on municipal, township, park and library district boards, as well as school board members, community college and regional board of school trustees on April 9th. Residents wishing to vote who are new to Lake County, moved to a new address in Lake County, turned 18 on or before Election Day, or have changed one's name need to register with a deputy registrar by Tuesday, March 12.
Registration is available at the County Clerk's office and at most municipal, township and library facilities. To find the nearest registration location, voters may view Official Places of Voter Registration. You can call 847-377-2410 or check on line for your registration status.
The Lake Forest/Lake Bluff League of Women Voters is offering registration at the Lake Forest Library on Saturday March 2 from 10:30-1 pm.
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Jobapalooza Connects Youth and Young Adults
to Jobs and Resources
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March 7, 6 to 8 p.m
College of Lake County, Gymnasium, Building 7
193531 W. Washington St., Grayslake
Jobapalooza is a job, resource and training fair for people ages 15 to 21. Nearly 30 employers will provide information on full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Attendees can also get information on work permits, Social Security cards and personal finance, and hear about training opportunities.
For more information, call 847.543.2059 or view the flyer.
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Health Department News
Reduced Water Testing Rates
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 The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center will offer reduced water testing rates in observance of National Ground Water Awareness Week in March. From March 11 through March 21, water samples may be brought to the Lake County Central Permit Facility and Environmental Laboratory, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. During this time, the normal $16 analysis fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $10 for well owners. You can also call 847-377-8020 or email HealthEHS@lakecountyil.gov. for additional information.
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Transportation & Construction Updates
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LAKE COOK ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Cook County Highway Department will be initiating road construction on Lake Cook Road from Pfingsten/Deerlake (near the Lake Cook Metra Station) to the Waukegan Road/Route 43 intersection starting in early April. Traffic control will reduce traffic down to one lane in each direction which will result in major traffic delays. The Village of Deerfield is working with Cook County to monitor the project and has initiated a website for updates.
LCDOT and IDOT
will hold a public hearing on the planning process of U.S. Rt 45 improvements from Il Rt. 132 to Il Rt. 173. The format is an open house, so come any time. If you are unable to attend, you can get more i nformation and submit comment on line. 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Millburn West School
640 Freedom Way
Lindenhurst, IL
Status update on Rt. 53The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors is expected to approve a $4 million contract at its meeting next week to Schaumburg-based TranSystems Corp. that will continue to plan for the proposed extension of Illinois Route 53/120 in Lake County. If approved, TranSystems will develop a detailed engineering concept, evaluate cost estimates, refine traffic and revenue analyses and survey customers' willingness to pay tolls on the proposed extension. The contract also includes services to study the environmental and economic impacts of the project. The Tollway's Finance Administration Operations and Strategic Planning Committees recommended the proposed contract after reviewing the Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council's report. A key recommendation from the Council was development of a coordinated, corridor-wide land use plan. You can download a road map of Lake County and a bike path map. You can check the status of all 2013 road projects in Lake County.
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Environmental Issues
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 Cleaning out the garage and basement? 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.
Did you make a resolution to live greener this year? We can help. Visit the LCTV video library for great suggestions on sustainability.
Lake County Green Congregations are once again sponsoring the Green Living Fair Saturday March 16 at the
Libertyville Civic Center
135 W. Church St
Admission is free to the fun and educational event. There are also a number of recycling opportunities. Learn more.
Electronics Collection Site
Saturday August 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Village of Deerfield (Public Works Facility)
465 Elm Street
The following are year round collection sites:
Village of Grayslake (Public Works Facility, Recycling Center) 585 Berry Avenue
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
City of Highland Park (Firearms Training Center) 1180 Half Day Road
ONLY Tuesdays and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
(fluorescent light bulbs, foam containers and packaging materials are also accepted at the Highland Park Electronic Collection)
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
|  The Vernon Area Public Library main building will close for remodeling beginning March 5, 2013. Patrons will have continued access to books, DVDs, games, and other materials via a "Library to Go" to be operated out of the former library building on Indian Creek Road. Patrons are also encouraged to explore the many options for digital materials offered by the library; digital materials are accessible without a physical visit to the library, and are therefore unaffected by the building renovation. Digital content is accessible through the library's website.
The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce has a full calendar of programs.
The Gorton Community Center offers special events, as well as programs for adults and children.
You can read the winter newsletter of Cook Memorial Library.
 The spring/summer program guide of the Deerfield Park District is available. There is something for everyone!
MainStreet LIbertyville continues to sponsor a number of events. First Friday March 1 celebrates Art Month from 6 pm to 9 pm. Stored will feature the work of students and local artists.
A fund raiser for the Brainerd Community Center is set for March 16 at the Improv Playhouse Black Box Theatre, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave. Improv players will present "Marlon Brando at Brainerd", honoring the actor's time as a student in Libertyville in the 1930s. Find out how to purchase tickets.
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