District 21 News 
from Ann Maine
 
Lake County Board Member  
and Lake County 
Forest Preserves Board President 
 
 
April 2014
   
In This Issue
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Dear Neighbors,

The County and Forest Preserve Boards have been very busy this past month.

At the Forest Preserve we are preparing for spring.  In recent actions we approved a contract for turf mowing and landscape services with a number of private companies.  This is an example of some of the jobs we have outsourced in recent years as a way to keep expenses lower.  We are currently accepting applications for some seasonal jobs.  Find out what jobs are available. 

At the February County Board meeting we authorized a contract for the installation of adaptive traffic signal control and signal modernization along Apatakisic Road from Brandywyn to Parkway Drive.  Both the County and the Forest Preserve have been working on ways to share services that will better serve residents as well as reduce costs.  To learn about the needs of communities, the County organized the first ever Lake County Community Leaders Summit.  Over 100 leaders attended.  You can watch a video about the summit .  For more information on this and other actions, read below. 
 
For those of you who live in a village or a town, the services of County Government may seem more remote.  You can now get an answer to What Does County Government Do? 

The snow melt has created a number of dangerous situations.  Many of the Des Plaines River Trail underpasses are closed.  Be sure to check trail alerts before you go out.  In addition, many roads have potholes; read the details on who to contact in the Transportation section below.

As always, I am happy to discuss these or any other issues with you.  I can also come meet with your homeowner's association, scout, school, religious or other group.


Sincerely,

Ann

Ann Maine
Lake County Forest Preserve District President
Lake County Board District 21
847-857-1732
amaine@lakecountyil.gov

Lake County Sheriff's Office Accepting Applications
The Lake County Sheriff's Office Merit Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff. This opportunity is for current law enforcement officers that are looking for growth opportunities to enhance their career. More info
 
Free Tax Filing Programs
Filing taxes can be difficult. Fortunately there are free programs that can help you navigate this complex process. Check to see if you qualify for these assistance and tax preparation programs before filing your taxes! 
IRS Free File (Free program for Federal taxes)
IRS VITA Program (Tax preparation by volunteers)
TCE Program (Tax counseling for the elderly)
 
Assistance for Veterans - Saturday Claims Support
Veterans and their dependents now have another option for assistance with filing claims. Beginning March 1, The Veterans Assistance Commission will have Saturday hours at the Wauconda American Legion, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is your opportunity to meet with an accredited service officer, and all services are free. Please call the VAC for an appointment at 847.377.3344.
 
The Latest News from Your Lake County Board 

Board Approves Regulations for Medical Cannabis Facilities in the Unincorporated Areas
Under the new state law that legalizes medical cannabis, local governments are required to accommodate medical cannabis cultivation centers and dispensaries within their jurisdictions. The County and local municipalities worked together to develop model zoning regulations and are now using those model standards in developing their ordinances. More

Lake County Courthouse Expansion Project Advances
The county board recently approved an agreement with the City of Waukegan that advances the courthouse expansion project in downtown Waukegan. This agreement calls for streetscape and pedestrian improvements around the complex, resurfacing of Washington and County Streets, as well as exterior improvements to the existing sky bridge pedestrian walkway. Visit Courthouse Expansion  to learn more about the project.

County Board Approves Widening of Peterson Road - Road Projects Open up Central Corridor
The county board recently awarded a construction contract for the widening of Petersen Road in the central area of the county. This $11 million dollar project will reconstruct and widen the road from two lanes to four from US Route 45 in Libertyville to west of IL 83 in the Village of Grayslake and will include a major expansion of the intersection at IL 83. More Information. 
 
Forest Preserves News
 
Arnold Newman: Luminaries of the 20th Century in Art, Politics and Culture
This is a wonderful exhibit.  From Marilyn Monroe and JFK to Salvador Dali and Picasso, Arnold Newman photographed them all. Experience a collection of portraits of the innovators and personalities that helped defined a century as seen through the eyes of one of its own: Arnold Newman. Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda, March 15 - August 17. More   
 
The Least Weasel
The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is the smallest living carnivore in Illinois. The summer coat is reddish-brown with a white belly. Weasels begin shedding their summer coats during early fall, replacing them with coats that are lighter in color. Here in northern Illinois, their winter coat is nearly all white, allowing them to blend in with a snowy background and avoid detection by predators like hawks and owls. These weasels molt again in the spring, replacing winter coats with darker summer colors. Lake County Forest Preserve wildlife biologists are currently assessing the conservation status of least weasels in Lake County. 
 
"Martha" by Diana Sudyka

 In 1914, the last known passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) died at
the Cincinnati Zoo. One hundred years later, we are still grappling with the environmental,  cultural and moral issues of human-caused extinctions. The Forest Preserve and other organizations are sponsoring a number of events related to this centenary.  Brushwood Center at Ryerson is hosting a wonderful group exhibition Facing Extinction, in which artists present work that addresses the extinction-and survival-of species, and the potential resiliency of Earth's biodiversity. March 9-April 30 at Brushwood House, Ryerson Woods. 

New this year- Unlimited Passes to the Beach at Independence Grove
Passes for the 2014 beach season are now available to Lake County residents, save 10%
before May 1- purchase at the preserve's Visitors Center or visit on line for more information.

Reminder: Summer Camps are Filling Up! Register Now!
Enjoy adventures in nature, art, fishing, history, and much more. Registration for summer camps is open and classes are filling up! More info

Volunteers are always needed.  It's a wonderful way to meet people who share your interests while you have some fun and help the preserves.  You can volunteer for one day or help out monthly.  Learn about all the opportunities.

The Lake County Forest Preserves has interesting programs for people of all ages, year round.  See the complete schedule of events here. 
 

There are many opportunities for you, your family or group to help with restoration efforts.  Chicago Wilderness also offers monitoring programs.

Don't miss these interesting links:



Download a free Forest Preserve Mobile Ap for iphone,  android, or iPad.
Transportation News
 
Lake County Announces 2014 Construction Program 
2014 will again be another extremely busy construction season. The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will continue with its multiple projects already underway and start a number of new reconstruction and widening projects, intersection improvements, resurfacing projects, and several pedestrian/bike path projects this year. Learn more. 

Check out the newly expanded mapping application on the LCDOT website for a complete list of Lake County planned projects for 2014. Use the map to find the project you are interested in, click on the project and see the latest information and important updates.
 
Peterson Road Project Open House, April 8 LCDOT is hosting an informational open house to share information about the planned widening of Peterson Road from US Route 45 in Libertyville to west of IL 83 in Grayslake. The open house is on Tuesday, April 8 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds. More information. 
 
Pothole Patching, Report a Problem
Pavement patching on Hainesville Road: Feb. 26, 2014
This winter has been rough on roads. As the temperature continuously drops and rises, the roads thaw and freeze over and over again. This allows water to seep in to the cracks during a thaw, which freezes and expands when the temperature drops again, creating potholes. When the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) isn't plowing snow, crews are out patching pavement. So far this season, LCDOT has used 80 tons of asphalt to fill potholes. There are several agencies responsible for maintaining roads-the Illinois Tollway, IDOT, Lake County DOT, municipalities, and townships. 
 
Washington Street Closed for Four Months
The Lake County Division of Transportation recently closed Washington Street to through traffic from Cedar Lake Rd., to Hainesville Rd., for a four month project. The closure is necessary as part of the Washington St. reconstruction and widening project. In the fall of 2013, Washington St. was reconstructed from Cedar Lake Rd. to Linden Drive. The upcoming closure is to complete the reconstruction from Linden Drive to west of Hainesville Rd. 
Detour Route: Cedar Lake Rd., to IL Route 134 to IL Route 120 to Hainesville Rd.
There is a dedicated web site for this project.   

Know which agency to contact to report a problem.
Report potholes on a county highway: dot@lakecountyil.gov or 847.377.7400
Report potholes on state roads: elecc@dot.il.gov or 847.705.4612
LCDOT has a total of 10 pavement resurfacing projects planned for 2014.
View a complete list and map. 
Earn the Traffic Safety Merit Badge
Scouts can obtain the Traffic Safety merit badge by attending a session instructed by professionals in their field on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Lake County Division of Transportation, 600 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville.
Registration is limited to the first 50 Scouts to sign-up by the May 12 deadline.  
To enroll for the session email Mike Dobosiewicz at mdobosiewicz@lakecountyil.gov or call 847.377.7416.  

Job Center: March Workshop Schedule
The Lake County Job Center is offering several free workshops this month, including resume review and what employers want.  Check out the Job Center's schedule of events.

Environmental News you can use

Recycle symbolSpring is here--really.  When you  clean see if you can reuse, recycle or donate items you no longer need.  There are many opportunities.  Check SWALCO for more information.  Many communities offer year round recycling of pharmaceuticals and medical waste.  




Vernon Township Recycle Rama Returns!
In conjunction with SWALCO, this popular event allows you to recycle numerous items.  Read the flyer or contact bschroeder@vernontownship.org for more information.

Saturday April 26 from 10 am to 2 pm at the 
Vernon Township Highway Office
3050 N. Main
Buffalo Grove

Free Workshop for Homeowners Associations (HOA) and Property Owners 

Why are stormwater drainage systems required? What are some common subdivision BMPs and signs of failing stormwater structures? Get the answers to these questions and more at this free workshop. See Flyer

Wednesday, April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Vendor exhibit starts at 6 p.m.
University Center, Grayslake 
 
Concealed Carry Informational Session

Wondering how the Concealed Carry Law will affect Lake County residents? Join the Lake County Sheriff's Office in partnership with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office for a Concealed Carry Law informational session. Visit their Facebook page for more info.

Monday, April 7, 7 - 9 p.m.
Warren Township Center
17801 W. Washington Street
Gurnee
Community Happenings
The Libertyville Sports Complex Spring/Summer 2014 Brochure
is available.  Registration is open to residents and non-residents.

The Patty Turner Senior Center of Deerfield is also open to non-residents.  It offers numerous field trips to places such as the Field Museum and Drury Lane Theater.  In addition there are speakers, and classes.  Learn a new hobby, meet new people and hear interesting speakers.  There is always something to do.

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary meets Wednesdays  at 7:15 at the Lake Forest Club 554 N. Westmoreland, Lake Forest.  Visitors are welcome.

Children's Film Series:  Gorton Community Center on Sundays at 4 pm.  Tickets required in advance.

Looking for a new activity--book discussion, English as a Second Language, how to manage your finances?  Cook Memorial Library has a number of programs for adults.

The Grayslake Park District has athletic programs for adults and youth.

Vernon Area Public Library offers the 3M cloud library for card holders.
Community Resources
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. 
Bannockburn                       Deerfield                     Green Oaks                    Gurnee

Lake Forest                            Libertyville                  Lincolnshire                  Mettawa

Riverwoods                           Waukegan


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Ann Maine, Lake County Illinois | 847-377-2300 | amaine@lakecountyil.gov | http://www.lakecountyil.gov
18 N. County
Waukegan, IL 60085

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