53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council Co-Chairs Present Plan to Tollway Board

 

This morning, George Ranney and I presented the IL 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council's report to the Tollway Board at its monthly meeting. The plan recommends the Tollway Board move forward with the 53/120 Corridor project in Lake County. It calls for a four-lane, limited access, tolled parkway with a 45 mph maximum operating speed that protects environmental concerns while creating a modern parkway. Several people, including elected officials, transportation and environmental representatives, as well as labor representatives spoke in support of the plan at the Tollway Board meeting. The Tollway Board will take the report under consideration, and discuss it at a later date. Learn more about the 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council.

• June 2012 Final Council Resolution and Summary Report

• June 2012 APPENDIX to Final Council Resolution and Summary Report

Stay Safe During Heat Wave and Drought This Week!

 

Lake County is under a heat advisory with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees this week. This severe heat can pose a serious risk to health and safety. The public is advised to stay in a cool environment as much as possible, and remain hydrated.  Get more hot weather safety tips from the Lake County Health Department.  There are cooling centers located at Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offices throughout the state, as well as at Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area. For more information, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154, or visit this website.

 

Additionally, dry weather across northeastern Illinois has led to increased risk for wildfires. The Lake County Fire Chiefs Association and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency are warning residents to celebrate safely over the Fourth of July holiday by refraining from using sparklers or illegal personal fireworks because they can produce sparks that can start wildfires when conditions are very dry. Agencies across the area will be enforcing Illinois laws regarding fireworks, open burning, and hazardous conditions. Residents are encouraged to attend professional fireworks displays because they are closely monitored for safety.  Read the full release.

Overdue Books? Avoid the Fines and Drop Off Books This Week!

 

Patrons of the Vernon Area Public Library can return any late materials without penalty, no matter how overdue, to the remote book drop box in Long Grove from now through June 30.

 

The Long Grove drop box is located in the Stempel Parking Lot, on Old McHenry Road just east of Robert Parker Coffin Road. Click here for a map of VAPLD Remote Book Return locations. Please note, fine-free returns are only available this week and at the Long Grove box. Contact the library with any questions.

SWALCO Recycling Education Efforts Coming This Fall

 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is partnering with the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) to urge Lake County residents - who already recycle in impressive numbers-to kick up their efforts even more. This is part of a national program designed to help communities grow their curbside recycling programs through education. Through this partnership, SWALCO and its members will implement a campaign designed to increase awareness for curbside recycling, grow participation and ultimately boost the volume of recycling. Many Lake County residents are already doing a great job, and this campaign will help them understand how they can do even better. For more information contact Walter Willis at 847-336-9340 or visit SWALCO's website.

 

SWALCO will hold a Mobile Household Chemical Waste (HCW) Event on July 7 at Deerfield High School, 1959 North Waukegan Road, in Deerfield, IL.   Residents from around the county may simply come to the mobile location between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to drive through and drop off their HCW materials. Please visit the SWALCO website for a general list of items that are and are not accepted. 

Voter Power: Print Your Certificate of Registration

 

All registered Lake County voters can now print their Voter's Certificate of Registration card by visiting the County Clerk's web site. In November 2011, every Lake County registered voter received a new Voter's Certificate of Registration. If your card has been misplaced, print your replacement card by visiting LakeVoterPower.info and entering information to confirm voter registration status. Follow the link for "Certificate of Registration" to produce the new card. 

Independence Day in Buffalo Grove

 

 

Buffalo Grove is hosting its annual concert and fireworks on July 4.

• 7:00 pm Concert
• 9:15 pm Fireworks

The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band delights with a special two hour pre-fireworks concert. This large and full range band has impressed audiences and performs a variety of classic and contemporary symphonic band pieces as well as accompany the BG Singers. The annual fireworks display will immediately follow the concert with excellent viewing from the Rotary Village Green, the Buffalo Grove Golf Course or Willow Stream Park.

Naval Station Great Lakes 4th of July

 

Naval Station Great Lakes will be hosting its annual free Independence Day Celebration. There will be plenty to see: live music, food, carnival, bingo, family entertainment, and a fireworks show both nights. For more information, visit http://www.mwrgl.com/4th/4thofJuly2012.html.

 

July 3, 3 - 11:30 p.m.

July 4, noon - 10 p.m.

Lake County Fair, July 25-29 

 

The annual Lake County fair arrives next month!  Visit www.lcfair.com to view information and the full schedule of events from July 25-29 at the County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.