District 21 News
from Ann Maine
Lake County Board Member
and Lake County
Forest Preserves Board President
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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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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,
The past year has been a busy one in Lake County. We have worked hard to have greater coordination between different units of government. The Board of Health adopted their strategic plan, the Forest Preserve District is in the middle of developing their plan and Lake County has made good progress on its goals (see that update below). What unifies all these organizations is the goal to better serve the residents of Lake County through improved services in a cost effective manner. In the coming months I will give you more updates on these plans.
I often get questions about the Severe Weather Updates. I send these only when we get a specific notice from our Lake County Emergency Service. Typically these are for weather events that are dangerous and/or unusual for the time of year. So an expected 4 inches of snow in Lake County in a winter storm will not trigger a weather update. Ice storms, flooding, high winds or heavy snow in a short period of time will cause me to send a notice. The Health Department offers some helpful tips for making sure your car is safe. I encourage you to send that link to any of your college students who have a car and live away from home.
The New Year brings a number of new laws. Please be sure to read below and learn about any changes.
As always, I am happy to meet with your neighborhood group, homeowners association, school, scout or religious group to discuss Lake County or Forest Preserve issues.
Sincerely,
Ann
Ann B. Maine
President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
Lake County Board District 21
amaine@lakecountyil.gov
847-857-1732
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Handheld Cell Phone Use Illegal While Driving Starting Jan. 1, 2014
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 A new state law, starting Jan. 1, prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. Drivers 19 and older are permitted to use cell phones with hands-free technology such as Bluetooth. |
Lake County Reports Progress on Strategic Plan
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 Learn more about how Lake County is making progress toward its strategic goals, and view a presentation* with progress report highlights (narrated by Chairman Aaron Lawlor).
*Prezi Presentation requires Google Chrome to view |
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Lake County Receives AAA Bond Rating from Two Top Rating Agencies
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Lake County has again received a AAA bond rating -the highest government rating-from the nation's two largest bond rating agencies - Moody's Investors Services, Inc., and Standard & Poor's.
The rating serves as an indicator of the County's general economic health. Lake County is one of about 60 counties (out of about 3000 in the United States) that have AAA from both agencies. The top rating means the county can borrow money for essential projects at the lowest possible interest rate, and as a result, more tax money goes to government services and less to pay interest.
Both firms said the AAA rating is based on several strengths, including strong budgetary performance, well-managed financial operations with strong financial policies and practices, healthy reserves and manageable debt that provide budgetary flexibility.
Visit Lake County's Budget web portal for budget and finance information.
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| Lake County Sheriff's Office is Cracking Down on Drunk Drivers |
 Through January 5, the Lake County Sheriff's Office will be out in force as part of the annual Illinois "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown on drunk drivers. The statewide crackdown will include high-visibility alcohol and belt enforcement throughout Lake County. Learn More
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County Update: Leadership Lake County
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 | | Lake County Update: Leadership Lake County |
Leadership Lake County--a brand new young professional initiative spearheaded by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Lake County Board Member Nick Sauer--aims to attract and retain young professionals in Lake County. The goal is to develop sophisticated leaders with a 21st century vision that will serve and grow the Lake County community. Watch this episode of County Update to learn more about this initiative.
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Creation of 19th Judicial Circuit Launches Mortgage Foreclosure
Mediation Program |
 A new program through the 19th Judicial Circuit aims to help homeowners avoid the financial and emotional devastation of foreclosure through mediation. Homeowners whose foreclosure cases were filed on or after Dec. 2 are eligible for this program designed to help explore options, increase communication and reach a resolution. More Info
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County Board Allows Beekeeping and Hens in Unincorporated Areas
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Lake County has amended the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to allow the keeping of bees, hens, and hoophouses used exclusively for local food production on residential properties in unincorporated areas. The UDO sets standards for the establishment and maintenance of beehives, chicken coops, and hoophouses. The following lot size requirements also apply:
 | | Hoophouse |
* Two beehives are allowed on residential lots up to and including 10,000 square feet of lot area, with one additional beehive allowed for each extra 10,000 square feet.
* Hens may be kept on residential lots of a minimum of 10,000 square feet in area; the number of hens allowed on residential properties be dependent on the lot size, ranging from six hens on lots of a minimum of 10,000 square feet up to 12 hens on lots of a minimum 80,000 square feet.
* Hoophouses are allowed, 50 square feet in size for each 10,000 square feet of residential lot area.
These changes to the UDO are part of a series of sustainability initiatives that support local food production in the unincorporated areas.
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Winter Weather Preparedness
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Are you ready for winter? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are encouraging people to begin preparing now for extreme cold, snow and ice before bad weather hits. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of Hypothermia or Frostbite and how to avoid over exertions while shoveling snow with the winter weather preparedness guide. Read tips on how to have a fun and safe winter, whether in your home, in your car or at school.
The guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov or by calling 217.785.9925.
Watch this quick clip and see how to assemble a Winter Weather Travel Car Kit. |
  Fourth Lake Forest Preserve
Work is complete on the new Grand Avenue underpass and 1.5-mile gravel section of the Millennium Trail at Fourth Lake (Lake Villa). The trail now extends from just north of Rollins Road to Sand Lake Road where it connects to existing trails at Bonner Farm and McDonald Woods (Lindenhurst). Improvements at Fourth Lake also include a 0.3-mile grass loop trail. Trailhead parking is available at 19808 West Grand Avenue just west of Route 45 in Lake Villa on the north side of Grand Avenue (This is the site of the Operations and Public Safety Building). More
Marl Flat and the Millennium Trail
A new 1-mile paved section of the Millennium Trail extending from Route 120 north  to Marl Flat (Round Lake) is complete. The entrance is located off of Fish Lake Road, north of Route 120 and south of Nippersink Road, and includes trailhead parking for the Millennium Trail, toilets, benches and an information kiosk. With the completion of this section, a continuous 15 miles of trail is now open from Hawley Street through Lakewood (Mundelein) and Singing Hills (Volo) to Marl Flat. More
 Hastings Lake Forest Preserve Open
The highly anticipated reopening of Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa is complete, following extensive public access improvements and restoration of natural areas within the 270-acre preserve
Read More
Download Trail Map
2014 Picnic Shelter Reservations Now Open
Plan next year's family reunion, company picnic or other group gathering early to help ensure your first choice of shelter or date. To register and for more information visit their website or call 847.367.6640 More
Beguiled by the Wild: Charley Harper Art Exhibit at the Lake County Forest Preserve Museum
 Runs through February 16, 2014
Charley Harper's style of art is known as "minimal realism". See how shapes, colors, patterns and lines can create familiar plants, animals and landscapes. To learn about upcoming programs, visit LCFPD.org/CharleyHarper.
Free Senior Museum Admission
Seniors 62 and older will enjoy free entry to the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda for the entire month of January. This January features the exhibitions Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper, and The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction.
Adopt an Acre of your Favorite Forest Preserve or Trail
Do you have a favorite forest preserve? Or are you looking for a unique gift idea? The Preservation Foundation's Adopt-an-Acre and Adopt-a-Mile program allows you to sponsor your favorite forest preserve or mile of trail. Your tax-deductible $100 gift supports long-term maintenance of the preserve or trail that you enjoy. All Adopt-An-Acre and Adopt-A-Mile gifts are acknowledged with a personalized photo certificate, making a wonderful holiday gift in honor of a loved one. To learn more, contact Rebekah Snyder at rsnyder@LCFPD.org or 847.968.3434.
Independence Grove Dog Area Reopened Friday, Dec. 6
Access to the Independence Grove Dog Exercise Area, located on Rt. 21 just north of Route 137 in Libertyville, is complete and reopened. A required annual or daily permit allows canines and their companions access to all four Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Exercise Areas.
 New site enhancements:
* IDOT contractors installed a dedicated left turn lane into the Dog Area and reconstructed the parking lot. * Forest Preserve crews improved beach access, resurfaced trails, replaced fences and gates, and cleared brush and removed tree hazards along the trail. Though the Independence Grove Dog Area is reopening, road work along Route 21 in Libertyville continues. IDOT expects to open all four lanes of the road in early 2014. For project updates, check IDOT's construction status page.
 Take an Evening Hike Along Solar Lighted Trails
With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along a 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
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Healthy Lake County: December's Episode
 | | Healthy Lake County: Watch December's Episode |
Learn how to prepare a winter driving emergency kit, reduce your chances of catching the flu, and how Lake County residents can obtain vouchers to get their cat or dog spayed or neutered. Watch Video
Learn how to make your New Year's resolutions work for you in 2014. Plus, find out information about the Affordable Health Care Act and Enroll Lake County, and learn how veterans and their families can receive free support services.
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Transportation and Construction Updates
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At the December Board meeting, we approved an agreement for engineering services for the design of the proposed Deerfield Road bike path from Thornmeadow Road to Saunders Road.
Pace to modify several Lake County bus routes effective Dec. 22
Read this news release from Pace to learn more. Download Brochure
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 Reminder: Recycling Changes Coming to Unincorporated Neighborhoods
In an effort to increase recycling and extend the life of our landfills, the Lake County Board approved modifications to the Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance effective January 1, 2014. Learn More
Many of you have new electronics--TVs, computers, games. Remember, these must be recycled. Be sure to read the entire list below about accepted items. There are a lot more items that can be recycled than you might imagine. Here are some of the permanent locations throughout the County that accept electronics:
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)
Village of Vernon Hills (Public Works Facility)
490 Greenleaf Drive
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Vernon Township (Road District Facility)
3050 N. Main Street
Buffalo Grove
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Televisions, Monitors, Printers, Computers (including tablet computers), Electronic Keyboards, Facsimile Machines, Videocassette Recorders, Portable Digital Music Players, Digital Video Disc Players, Video Game Consoles, Small Scale Servers, Scanners, Electronic Mice, Digital Converter Boxes, Cable Receivers, Satellite Receivers, Digital Video Disc Recorders, Computer Drives, Modems, Mainframes, PDA Organizers, Telephones, Stereos, CD Players, Cameras, Shredders, Small Household Appliances, Holiday Lights, Microwave Ovens, Alkaline Batteries, Non Rechargeable and Rechargeable Batteries, VCR Tapes, Cassette Tapes, Compact Discs, Video Discs, Software Discs (floppy and zip).
Check the SWALCO website often for new information on what and where you can recycle items.
 If you had a Christmas Tree, you can recycle that too and help support the maintenance of trails and preserve locations with recycled mulch. Designated drop-off areas will available until Feb. 1, throughout Lake County Forest Preserves. For an opportunity near you, check this list of tree recycling locations. |
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Community Events and Activities
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Nominate Your American Red Cross Hero
Each year, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago honors community members who have demonstrated heroism through extraordinary acts of courage or kindness. Nominate your hero here or call 312.729.6388. Nominations due by Jan. 31, 2014. More Info
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Sincerely,
18 N. County
Waukegan, IL 60085
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