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District 21 News
from Ann Maine
Lake County Board Member and
President of the Lake County
Forest Preserves Board
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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 receive these free updates should send their email address to me at
or click "join our mailing list" above.
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Be sure to find out the latest of what is happening in your community.
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Dear Neighbor,
This has been a busy and exciting month at the Forest Preserve. As many of you may know, we were finally able to purchase the final piece of property to complete the Des Plaines River Trail. We expect the trail to be open next summer! This fall will see the opening of additional underpasses --making biking in Lake County even more extensive.
More important connections are in the works, as we agreed on a resolution to negotiate with the City of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Academy for the construction of a bridge over the railroad tracks at Middlefork Savanna.
In addition, we formally adopted our Strategic Plan for the district. We have been working on this for a year; we reached out to many partners to make sure we were capturing important ideas for all of Lake County. Our vision is for 100 years, as we know that the environments we protect--out oak woodlands, our savannas and wetlands take years to develop. You can read more about this plan.
What is important about Lake County to you? We want to know. There is a survey below. Please fill it out and share it with others. The more people we hear from, the better we will be able to plan.
Many of you have followed the legal wrangling of the state mandated election commission for Lake County. I'm pleased to announce the Illinois Attorney General's Office has dropped its appeal of a circuit court ruling that found the state law mandating the creation of an elections commission in Lake County to be unconstitutional special legislation.
Assessments are being sent out. These occur by township. If I have your address, I'll be sending out special notices when your township has assessments mailed. This is important because you have only 30 days to challenge your assessment. More information is provided below.
As always, I am happy to meet with your homeowners association, school, religious, scout or other group about these or any other issues. Please feel free to contact me.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Sincerely,
Ann
Ann B. Maine
President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
County Board District 21
847-857-1732
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Get to Know Me
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In this video learn about my, connections with Lake County, and my main priorities as your District 21 Board Member, including fiscal responsibility, sustainability, preserving a clean, safe water supply, and balancing growth while protecting our natural resources.
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Tax Assessments
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Tax Assessment Help Centers
The Chief County Assessment Office (CCAO) will hold 16 TAX ASSESSMENT HELP CENTERS this fall to help residents understand their property assessment. Residents will work one on one with a member of the CCAO staff to evaluate their property tax assessment and learn how to use valuable web applications on the county website.
Assessment Notices are in the Mail. Get Answers to Your Assessment QuestionsLake County has numerous resources to help answer taxpayers' questions about property tax assessments. For a quick overview, read this newsletter. Visit the Assessor's website for more information.
County Update: Property Tax AssessmentsLearn more about the complex subject of property tax assessments, such as how assessments impact your property tax bill, the appeal process, and how to access helpful resources. Watch Now. State Law Targets Property Owners Receiving an Erroneous Tax Break New state law (effective June 1, 2014) gives the Chief County Assessment Office authority to recapture taxable value in instances where property owners have received homestead benefits erroneously. Lake County is providing an amnesty period for the remaining months of 2014 in order to gain compliance. More Information.
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Assessment Filing Dates
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You should begin any questions about your assessment with your local township assessor. The final filing date is the last date in which you may appeal the assessment value of your property. This is separate from the tax bill due this September. See the box above for additional information.
Libertyville Township--Published July 31--final filing date is September 2
Shields Township Published July 17--final filing date is August 18
Vernon Township expects to be published August 14 with a final filing date of September 15
Warren Township expects to be published August 11 with a final filing date of September 10
West Deerfield Township expects to be published August 14 with a final filing date of September 15
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Forest Preserves News
| Des Plaines River Greenway and Trail
One of the most popular trails has faced some challenges this year with all the rain. There are also construction projects. However, as mentioned above, we have purchased the last piece of property needed to complete the trail. Before you ride, check out trail conditions.
The abundant natural areas in Lake County offer many opportunities to stay fit by walking, biking or horse back riding outside. Did you know the forest preserve offers organized opportunities to hike? Join Habitat Walks for Seniors August 6 at Fort Sheridan. There is also the Forest Fitness Group that meets a couple times a month. These have a $1 fee.
Family Fun Fridays
There are 2 more Family Fun Days , August 8 and August 15, at Independence Grove. These are free with beach admission and include games, contests, prizes and fun themes (8/8: Winterfest, 8/15: Obstacle courses). Everybody can participate in the fun. Prizes awarded in age categories for 15 and under.
 Bug Invasion Threatens Tree Populations
The Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of ash trees, costing municipalities, property owners, nurseries and forest products industries tens of millions of dollars. Learn about the warning signs, how to report an infected tree and what you can do to help!
 Fred FestCome to the 2nd Annual Fred Fest, an all day musical event at the Fox River Forest Preserve. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds benefit the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves and the expansion of the Grassy Lake Preserve. If you haven't been out to Fox River Preserve, now is a great time to go.
 "100-year Vision for Lake County"
The Forest Preserve District envisions that 100 years from now Lake County will be a healthy and resilient landscape with restored and preserved natural lands, waters and cultural assets. Residents will take great pride in how Forest Preserves make their communities more livable and the local economy more dynamic. More  There is even more! Join Twitter to get news, event announcements and fun photos. |
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Data Shows Strength of Lake County's Economy
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Lake County is the only suburban county in the metropolitan region to have recently seen both a drop in the unemployment rate and an increase in the labor force-a strong sign that jobs are being created in Lake County. Learn more in this interview with Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Lake County Partners' Executive Director Mike Stevens.
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Tell us Why You Like Lake County
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 Please take our Lake County Life survey and tell us your top five reasons for living, working and playing in Lake County. Sign up to Idea Exchange, our online center for community input with your email address, Facebook or Twitter, and start sharing your ideas today! |
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Board Seeks Proposals for Lease and Replacement of the Winchester House Nursing Home
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 In an effort to ensure Winchester House's long-standing tradition of providing high-quality care continues and to pursue a replacement facility, the Lake County Board took action to begin the process of leasing the skilled nursing facility to a private company. The County will seek proposals from private operators to lease the existing facility in Libertyville for two years, while the company becomes the licensed operator and explores building a new facility in the county. Watch Video |
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Report Dead Birds to West Nile Virus Hotline
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 West Nile Virus is a danger to humans and cause severe illness and death. To report sightings of dead birds or blue jays or to report areas of stagnant water call the West Nile Virus hotline: 847.377.8300. Visit the Lake County Health Department's West Nile Virus page for more information. |
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Lake County Convenes Consolidated 911 Working Group
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This month, County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor convened a working group made up of fire, police, municipal and other leaders to discuss opportunities to consolidate 911 dispatch centers. An integrated 911 system has the opportunity to improve quality, efficiency, and provide cost savings. The idea came out of the first-ever Leaders Summit and subsequent Leaders Roundtables that were hosted by Lake County and municipal partners earlier this year. Over the coming months, we will be bringing together stakeholders to discuss how to further develop this initiative.
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Transportation News
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IL Route 120 just west of IL Route 83 will be fully closed at the Canadian National Railroad (CN RR) in the Village of Grayslake, Lake County beginning on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 6:00 AM through Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 6:00 PM for CN RR to perform repairs to the railroad grade crossing.
The posted detour route for eastbound traffic on IL Route 120 will be to proceed southbound on Alleghany Road, to eastbound on Peterson Road, and northbound on IL Route 83 back to IL Route 120. The posted detour route for westbound traffic on IL Route 120 will be to proceed southbound on IL Route 83, westbound on Peterson Road, and northbound on Alleghany Road back to IL Route 120.
At the July Board meeting we approved contracts for concrete pavement patching on Deerfield Parkway from Illinois 21 to Weiland Rd.
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Health Department News
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Baby Boomers Health Concerns--Testing for Hepatitis C
If you were born between 1945 and 1965, ask your providerabout being tested for Hepatitis C. The Centers for Disease Control reports that baby boomers are 5 times more likely to be infected. Individuals often have no symptoms, can live for decades without feeling ill, but can be successfully treated with medications. There were 202 cases of Hepatitis C reported in Lake County last year. Symptoms include yellowing of skin or eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, stomach pain and extreme fatigue. The Hepatitis C virus can cause liver damage, cirrhosis and even death. Testing is available at the Health Department. Just call (847) 377-8450. Here is additional information from the CDC
The animal control facility has moved! The new facility, which began accepting animals July 21, includes safe and effective space for the management of dogs, cats, and other animals acquired from across the county by staff, the general public, law enforcement, and other agencies.The building will also feature security cameras and provide 24-hour access to Lake County Sheriff's Office personnel for dropping off stray animals as needed. Green strategies were employed to create energy efficient design features and building systems. Watch video
The Health Department's Animal Care and Control program is designed to prevent the spread of rabies through dog and cat vaccinations and registrations, education, bite prevention and impounding stray dogs and cats. Staff is responsible for enforcing county ordinances and state laws pertaining to animal-related complaints. Investigations are performed with regard to nuisance complaints, allegations of animal cruelty and neglect, as well as reports of stray, roaming or injured animals, or dangerous, vicious or biting animals. For more information, please call: (847) 377-4700.
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Voter News
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Everyone is eligible to Vote by Mail. You need to request an application form. Make it easy and visit vote by mail.
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Environmental News
|  Public Meeting to Discuss SWALCO's Plan Update
Thursday, August 28, 7 p.m.
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) will be holding a public meeting will be held at 7 p.m., August 28, 2014 at the Hainesville Village Hall located at 100 Hainesville Road at which time a presentation of the Plan Update will be provided and the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments regarding the Plan Update.
Upcoming SWALCO Collections
Make an appointment to bring unwanted household or chemical waste to SWALCO's collection facility at 1311 N. Estes St in Gurnee for safe disposal on Saturday, August 16 and Monday, August 25. Visit their website for a list of acceptable items.
You can always find information from SWALCO. There are a number of opportunities for electronic recycling, including many that are year round. |
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Job Center News and Events
| Job Search Workshop: How to Market Yourself
Set yourself apart by learning how to present knowledge, skills and experience. Call 847.362.2330 to register. Flyer
Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Dr., Vernon Hills
10th District Hiring Event
Meet with employers recruiting for a variety of positions including retail, sales, manufacturing and IT. Bring resumes and dress for success. Call 847.793.0685 to reserve a space. More
Thursday, August 14, 9 - 10 a.m., Veterans only
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., open to general public
Zion Park District Leisure Center, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion
The Lake County Job Center provides a variety of services for job seekers, including: career counseling, education and job-training guidance, financial aid for education and training, personalized career plans, unemployment insurance services, America's Job Bank, and other Internet job listings, and referrals to partner organizations. |
| Community Happenings |
The Deerfield Public Library will be showing Muppets Most Wanted at their Tuesday night movies August 19. See a full calendar of events.
The annual Deer Path Art League Art on the Square is Sunday August 31 and Monday September 1 from 10 am - 5 pm. It is on market square and the surrounding streets in Lake Forest.
Main Street LIbertyville is sponsoring Car Fun on 21 on August 20, from 6 -9 pm on Church Street.
Lincolnshire Art Festival on the Village Green returns on Saturday and Sunday August 16 and 17 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
Patty Turner Center in Deerfield is hosting a Big Band NIght on August 20.
Vernon Township 6th Annual Community Garage Sale is Saturday September 13 at the Prairie View train station. Deadline for reserving a space is August 29. Get an application form here. For additional information call 847-634-4600. Proceeds benefit the food pantry.
For upcoming community events around Lake County, go to Visit Lake County's website and check their calendar of events for happenings near you!
For more information local areas, visit these community websites:
Bannockburn, Deerfield, Grayslake, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Riverwoods, Waukegan
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Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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