Lake County & Forest Preserve News 
Ann Maine
County Board District 21 Forest Preserve President April 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 the March County Board meeting we approved a project that will make the court system easier to navigate. We are beginning a program that will allow individuals access to their civil cases, including small claims court, on line. This will cut down on the need to come to court. As this system become "live" I will provide more information.
Spring is here and there is a lot going on at the Forest Preserve and in Lake County.
Earth Day is April 20; there are a number of special activities around Lake County. Read more and take advantage of some. You can get your spring cleaning done and help the environment!
This year will be the busiest construction year in the history of the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT). See the article below and the links to find out where the projects are near home, school and work.
Are you a Senior or do you help a senior with property taxes? If so, read the section below on Senior Freeze.
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,
847-857-1732---note this is a new number
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Deerfield Road to Close for Culvert Installation, April 15 - 19
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Riverwoods, IL-The Lake County Division of Transportation, will close Deerfield Road (Lake County Route A-47) to through traffic between Riverwoods/Saunders Rd and Rt. 45 on Monday, April 15 at 7 a.m. The road is scheduled to reopen to traffic in the early evening of Friday, April 19. The closure is necessary for culvert work east of Juneberry Road.
Detour route: Illinois Route 21/Milwaukee Avenue to Lake Cook Road to Saunders Road
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| Lake County Announces Record 2013 Highway Construction Program |
Construction will begin on 32 highway improvements in Lake County this year, totaling an investment of $126  million. This is the Lake County Division of Transportation's (DOT) largest annual highway construction program ever. The Lake County Board made a commitment to invest 100% of the revenue from the 1/4% Sales Tax for Transportation and Public Safety Funds (approved in 2008 by the State of Illinois) toward improving transportation. These projects are now being realized as a result of those funds.
More Information
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| History of Lake County Roads |
This year the Lake County Division of Transportation is  celebrating 100 years of service to Lake County. In this video, learn how a transportation system that started as dirt roads has become an impressive network of safe and efficient roadways, intersections, roundabouts and bike paths.
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Lake County Receives 'Sunny Award' for Transparency
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For the fourth straight year, Lake County has won a Sunny Award and an A+ transparency  grade for its website from Sunshine Review, a national non-profit organization dedicated to government transparency. Lake County is one of only two counties in Illinois to receive the A+ grade. Check out our new Transparency/Open Gov web page!
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Forest Preserves News
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 Increased Coyote Activity
Increased coyote sightings are reported during spring and early summer due to increased daytime activity. One simple way to help prevent unwanted encounters is to keep dogs on a short leash (less than 10 feet) at all times. Please respect these wild animals. Do not attempt to approach, feed or pet them, or find their dens.
To report encounters or concerns regarding coyotes call our General Offices at 847-367-6640 weekdays from 8 am-4:30 pm. On evenings or weekends, call 847-549-5200 and ask to speak to a Forest Preserve Ranger.
Get additional information about coyotes: Lake County Guide to Coyotes, and Coyote Frequently Asked Questions.
Controlled Burn Season Begins
Controlled burn season is starting in your Lake County Forest Preserves.  The burns improve habitat for native plants and wildlife. Specially trained and equipped Forest Preserve staff and volunteers carefully conduct the controlled burns, selecting sites based on wind and other weather conditions.
Local fire and police departments are notified before and after each controlled burn. Forest Preserve staff closely monitor each burn with appropriate safety equipment and, if necessary, stay overnight on site.
If you have any questions or concerns about controlled burning or would like to find out when a burn is occurring in a Forest Preserve near you click here. Please call us at 847-968-3293 or e-mail us with any other questions.
Rainbow trout fishing opens Saturday, April 6
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda will open for rainbow trout  fishing on Saturday, April 6, following the release of roughly 600 pounds of trout in Banana Lake.
Fishing in the Lake County Forest Preserves is FREE. Anglers ages 16 and over must have an Illinois fishing license. Trout fishermen must also have an Illinois inland trout stamp. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps help fund the stocking program.
There are many other great spots to fish in your Lake County Forest Preserves. For important rules set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), download a free guide to fishing in the Lake County Forest Preserves or anglers can call at 847-367-6640 for copies.
 The Adlai Stevenson Center for Democracy is located at the Adlai E. Stevenson Home on St. Mary's Road. They offer a number of interesting programs including:
- April 14 : The Consequences of the Media Information Hydrant: A Nation of Silent Spectators
- April 28: The Middle East in Turmoil: A Political Economy Analysis
To register for programs and get more information.
The Countryside Traditional Golf Course is OPEN!!
Look at the complete Calendar of Events at the Forest Preserve.
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Senior Freeze Outreach Program
| The Chief County Assessment Office and the Lake County Township Assessors Association are holding Senior Freeze outreach sessions starting this week. Residents will receive assistance in completing their 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Applications for taxes payable in 2014. Staff members will be working one on one with residents to complete any necessary exemption forms. View the schedule , or for more information, contact the Chief County Assessor's Office at (847) 377-2050.
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Transportation & Construction Updates
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 Board Approves $43 Million for Rollins Road Improvement
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will begin construction this summer on the much anticipated $43 million intersection improvement of Rollins Road at Illinois Route 83 and the CN Rail line in Round Lake Beach. Frequent trains on this rail line, along with the 24,000 cars that travel this segment of Rollins Road each day often results in significant traffic jams.
The Lake County Board approved using funds from the �% sales tax toward this project. The project includes lowering the entire intersection of IL Route 83 and Rollins Road below the railroad to the west, and rerouting Rollins Road traffic under a new bridge at the railroad crossing. The project will also relocate the Hainesville Road intersection further to the west and the Rollins Commons intersection to the east creating more lane storage at the IL Route 83 intersection and improved mobility for motorists.
LCDOT has worked very closely with the Village of Round Lake Beach and the many businesses and residents located in the area to minimize impacts during construction, including maintaining two travel lanes throughout the two year construction (except for two short road closures midway through construction).
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.
The Village of Deerfield is hosting a Preconstruction Meeting for businesses and residents
Thursday April 18
Village of Deerfield Village Hall 850 Waukegan Road
3:00 P.M. for Business Owners
5:00 P.M. for Residents
Status update on Rt. 53
The 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.
 Between Lake County DOT, the Forest Preserve and the many communities and townships, there are hundreds of miles of bike paths in Lake County. With any new road project, Lake County DOT looks to see if a bike lane, bike path, or other accommodations can be made for non-motorized travel. You can download a road map of Lake County and a bike path map.
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Environmental Issues
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 April is an especially important month for environmental issues as we celebrate earth day. There are a number of activities around Lake County. Here is information on some of them. 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.
April 20 Recycle-O-Rama at Vernon Township 3050 N. Main St. Buffalo Grove Join this second annual community event with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and students from Vernon HIlls and Stevenson High Schools as they help recycle dozens of items including batteries, CDs, DVDs, keys, used books and more. Read the extensive list of items you can recycle.
April 27 is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: National Take Back Initiative
Did you know that OTC and prescription drugs SHOULD NOT be flushed down the toilet or put down the sink? These drugs accumulate in our water system. Instead they should be incinerated. The program accepts controlled and non-controlled and OTC substances. Please be sure all caps are tightly sealed to prevent leakage. At this time, the following Departments are participating. Check for additional locations.
- Buffalo Grove Police Department at 46 Raupp Blvd, Buffalo Grove
- Deerfield Police Department at 850 Waukegan Road
- Lincolnshire Police Department at One Olde Half Day Rd. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Mundelein Police Department at 221 N. Lake St
Electronics Collection Site
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
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The Patty Turner Center of Deerfield has a variety of programs for all adults 50+. Learn more about the classes and programs.
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.
The Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum is hosting a nationally traveling exhibit: Abraham Lincoln: Self Made Man in America. This exhibit contains many rare and interesting artifacts. Suggested donation: $3.00. The museum will offer extended hours throughout the run of the exhibition. From March 23-June 16, visit us Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-8 p.m., Fridays-Sundays, noon-4 p.m. and by appointment. Group tours are welcome. Located at 164 Hawley Street, Grayslake. For more information, contact Dave Oberg, Executive Director at 847-543-1745 or doberg@villageofgrayslake.com.
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.
Township Annual Meetings
By law, Townships must have a specific annual meeting. Here is the schedule:
Libertyville Township Tuesday April 16 at 7:45 after the regular monthly meeting
Vernon Township Tuesday April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 N. Main St. Buffalo Grove
Warren Township 7801 W Washington St, Gurnee at 7:00 p.m. 17801 W Washington St Gurnee
West Deerfield Township Tuesday April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at 601 Deerfield Rd. Deerfield
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Rain Barrel, Compost Bin & Native Plant Sale
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 DATE - Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale: Saturday, May 11 (One Day Only)
Native Plant Sale: May 11 and May 12
TIME - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LOCATION - Independence Grove Forest Preserve, North Bay Pavilion
16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville
Interested in saving on your water bill, growing a healthier, greener and more bountiful garden while you're helping the environment? Using Rain Barrels and practicing Backyard Composting, are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond.
Learn more about the event, and the environmental benefits of these practices.
Event co-sponsored by SWALCO, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserves.
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