District 21 News
from Ann Maine
Lake County Board Member
and Lake County
Forest Preserves Board President
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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 my newsletter.
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Dear Neighbors,
Remember: The second installment of property taxes is due September 6.
In August the County Board authorized an agreement for professional services for the annual pavement testing. Each year Lake County tests approximately 25% of the County Highway system. The data is used to generate recommended resurfacing projects for the next 5 years. The transportation section contains some of these projects. The County Board voted to repeal the ban on video gaming in unincorporated Lake County. I voted against. the repeal. The cooler fall weather is the perfect time to get back in the Forest Preserves. Try Hike Lake County and visit preserves in different parts of the county. September is a busy time with many special events. Read below for more information. September is National Preparedness Month, please read below for how you can protect your home and family. Remember that you can view the agendas and watch the meetings for both the Forest Preserve and the County Board online, any time! As always, please contact me about these or other issues. I'm happy to come and meet with you or your homeowner's association or scout, church or other group. Sincerely, Ann Ann B. Maine President, Lake County Forest Preserve District Lake County Board District 21 amaine@lakecountyil.gov 847-857-1732--this is a new number
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I encourage you to forward this e-mail to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically recieve these free updates should send their email adddress to me at amaine@lakecountyil.gov of click "join our mailing list" above.
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Lawsuit Challenges Unconstitutionality of New Law and Seeks Injunction to Stop Creation of Elections Commission
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Kane County Circuit Judge David Akemann recently granted Lake County's request to halt the creation of an elections commission, giving the clerk the responsibility to plan the next election as the County continues to challenge this unconstitutional law. The County filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that creates an elections commission because it specifically singles out Lake County and eliminates voters' right to choose who administers elections.
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Lake County's Summer 2013 Newsletter
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| In this County Connection, find out about: key transportation projects underway, budget snapshot, strategic plan update, and how to connect with Lake County! Read now. |
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Hike Lake County
 Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. At each preserve, look for the Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. Complete just seven of the 13 hikes between August 15 and November 30, and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick. Use this Travel Log to record each hike and submit them online. For more information, including mobile check in apps, visit their website.
Buy a walking stick, dog collar, and other Forest Preserve Gear here.
Water is a precious resource. Bring the family and come learn more at WaterFest on September 8 at Independence Grove from 1-4 pm. The cost is $5 a person.
 The very popular Farm Heritage Festival is September 21 and 22. This family festival celebrates Lake County's agricultural roots. Tractor parade, sheep herding, wagon rides, animals and more!
The Lake County Discovery Museum is the site of:
 Opening September 21, Charley Harper's (1922-2007) life-long love of nature inspired his work in this wonderful collection entitled "Beguiled by the Wild." Harper was best known for his highly stylized wildlife prints, posters and book illustrations. He called his style "minimal realism," capturing the essence of his subjects with the fewest possible visual elements. Harper's distinctive use of geometric shapes and vivid colors inspires environmental stewardship in people of all ages. When enhanced by the Museum's signature focus on interactive exhibits, this national touring exhibition is a must see for the entire family. Click here to learn more about this exhibition.
Want to have fun, meet people, help the environment (and maybe get a little dirty)? There are plenty of opportunities. September 14th at 9:30 am kicks off the 3rd annual Clean Up Des Plaines River. There are sites in Cook and Lake Counties. Get a group together and help our water systems. On September 15th is the annual Fort Sheridan Beach Clean up.
Also opening in September is:
The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. This original exhibition explores connections between the human world, and looks at some of the work being done today to help prevent similar extinctions from occurring. Click here to learn more about this exhibition.
 Don't miss FredFest!
This year's music festival features Master of Ceremonies Jaime Laurita, and five popular bands: Sixteen Candles, Pat McKillen, Sons of Bildor, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, and Hudson McCoy. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the gate. All net proceeds from the festival benefit the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Visit the website for more information.
The Dog Park on Milwaukee Ave is closed due to construction. Nearby Lake Carina Forest Preserve, on Route 21 just north of Gages Lake Road, offers a 1-mile mowed grass trail that encircles the lake. Dogs must be leashed when visiting this preserve.
Check out the entire calendar of events.
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Property Taxes Due September 6
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The Second Installment of Lake County property taxes are due Friday, September 6. A second bill will not be mailed to homeowners. The Treasurer's Office typically experiences long lines close to the property tax due date so taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of alternative payment methods. For more information visit the Lake County Treasurer's Office
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Everyone should have received their "Blue Card" with their property assessment. This will be used to determine your tax bill for next year. If you disagree with your assessment, you must file an appeal within 30 days. Assessments are based in the township. Please locate your township for filing deadlines and additional information. Not sure of your township? Use this map it link. Remember, the best place to start is with your Township Assessor's Office. They can answer many questions. Libertyville Township--Appeal filing deadline: September 23, 2013 Shields Township--Appeal filing deadline: September 3, 2013 Vernon Township--Appeal filing deadline: September 16 2013 Warren Township--Appeal filing deadline: September 19, 2013 West Deerfield--Appeal filing deadline: September 9, 2013 |
September is National Preparedness month. Take the time to review safety and emergency plans with your family. The National Red Cross offers hints and guidelines for you and your family to be ready for an emergency. Be on the look out for additional local activities that can assist you.
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Local Resurface Projects The following projects were approved in August 2013: Riverwoods Rd from Il Rt. 60 to Il Rt 22; Fairfield Rd. from Il Rt 60 to Gilmer Rd and O'Plaine Rd from Washington St to Il Rt. 137,
Rt 53/120 Update Efforts to examine the feasibility of the Illinois Route 53/120 project are moving forward. The Illinois Tollway, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Lake County are partnering on a combined, two-pronged effort to examine the feasibility of the project with respect to financing and land use. This phase builds on the recommendations and framework outlined by the Blue Ribbon Advisory Council (BRAC). The council-co-chaired by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and George Ranney, President and CEO Metropolis Strategies and Prairie Holding Corporation-will reconvene next month. The BRAC will continue to be involved in an advisory capacity. You can review the Project Overview. The BRAC June summary is available for viewing.
LCDOT Celebrates 100 Years
 Recently, the LCDOT held a celebration to honor 100 years of transportation progress. Those in attendance had the opportunity to view antique equipment and see how transportation has changed in Lake County over the past 100 years.
Click here to watch highlights
IDOT Unveils Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
 IDOT statistics show 15 percent of drunk driving fatalities involve drunk motorcycle riders, but only three percent of registered vehicles in Illinois are motorcycles
Officials ask riders to wear safety gear--especially a helmet. Law enforcement agencies plan to be out in full force to crack down on impaired drivers. Statistics and Information here
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Construction Project Websites
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 Several big projects are taking place in Lake County this summer. The Lake County Division of Transportation has worked with IDOT and other local agencies to create dedicated websites for many of these improvement projects. I encourage you to visit these websites for the latest information, including contact information and the current construction schedule.
Rollins Road Gateway
Fairfield Road at IL Route 176
IL21/137
Washington Street - Cedar Lake Road to Hainesville Road
Wadsworth Road
IDOT has a number of projects in Lake County, including resurfacing of Rt. 45, Rt 120 and Rt. 41. Get the latest on IDOT projects.
For more information, please contact LCDOT or IDOT
E-mail Lake County Department of Transportation at dot@lakecountyil.gov
Submit Feedback to Illinois Division of Transportation
http://www.dot.state.il.us/Email/Email.asp?from=1 |
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Roundabouts in Lake County
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After a two month closure of the intersection of Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road, a new modern roundabout opened on August 15, making the intersection safer and more efficient.
 This is the fourth roundabout intersection constructed by Lake County and we will continue to look for other opportunities in the future. Modern roundabout intersections improve traffic flow by allowing traffic to yield rather than come to a complete stop at intersections and they improve safety by reducing the potential for the most serious types of traffic crashes. For more information, watch this video or visit the LCDOT roundabout website. |
| In this County Connection, find out about: key transportation projects underway, budget snapshot, strategic plan update, and how to connect with Lake County! Read now. |
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Electronic Collections Events Around Lake County
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 The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is holding collection events for electronic waste (e-waste) around Lake County. Proper disposal of items such as computer equipment, digital equipment, microwave ovens, and batteries is important because of potential hazardous waste within them. Protect your community by bringing your unwanted electronic items to these collection events.
Village of Deerfield (Public Works Facility)
465 Elm Street
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 21
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.
Warren Township (Road District Facility) 17801 W. Washington Ave. Gurnee (use Almond Road entrance)
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (excluding holidays) |
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LCDOT is collecting stories and pictures for BIKE LAKE COUNTY
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 The Lake County Division of Transportation is developing a "Bikes and Trails" website and we'd like to see your biking photos and hear from bicyclists in Lake County on any or all of the following:
* What is your favorite Lake County bike path? Why?
* Do you commute to work or train station by bike?
* Does your family have a favorite weekend ride?
* What is your biggest frustration when riding your bike?
Share your stories, photos and comments by emailing us at bike@lakecountyil.gov.
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The Annual Deer Path Art League's Art Fair on the Square is on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2, (not Saturday), in Market Square in downtown Lake Forest. Over 180 artists from around the country are featured.
On Sunday September 1 spend an interesting afternoon at the Deerfield Historic Village. And on September 22 they are hosting the 38th annual Fall Festival.
Libertyville Main Street celebrates First Friday on September 6. Come down town and enjoy food, music and some shopping.
The 38th Ann ual Lake Forest Library Book sale Thursday September 12-Sunday September 15 at the Lake Forest Rec Center at 400 Hastings Rd in Lake Forest. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Forest Library. They are looking for volunteers. This year they are using
VolunteerSpot to organize Book Sale volunteers. Here's how it works:
1. Go to VolunteerSpot
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
The Vernon Area Library is accepting Food for Fines from September 1-31. For each non perishable item that you bring in, the library will waive $1 in overdue fines. All donations will go to the Vernon Township Food pantry. Come to the library on September 15 for the Library Festival. Find out about all their programs in the Fall newsletter.
Free Shred Day at Vernon Township Monday October 7 from 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
Secure shredding services will be provided. Bring personal documents such as cancelled or unused checks, old insurance policies, old bills or medical records. No magazines or newspapers. Only 2 boxes per person.
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Sincerely,
18 N. County
Waukegan, IL 60085
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Copyright © 20XX. All Rights Reserved.
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