The Lake County Board is in the process of updating our strategic plan that is used to help guide the future of the county. You have a voice in this process! We recently held five community forums to obtain public input, and now we are seeking further input. You can rank the strategic priorities by using this budget calculator. You can also submit your comments through this online form. The Lake County Board will thoughtfully consider this input, along with the results from the community forums, as it develops its long-term strategic plan. (Please note, this input period will close on April 8, 2013). Also, please take a few moments to educate yourself on our current strategic plan, our budget, and our services and programs.
 

 

Construction will begin on 32 highway improvements in Lake County this year, totaling an investment of $126 million. This is the Lake County Division of Transportation's (DOT) largest annual highway construction program ever. The Lake County Board made a commitment to invest 100% of the revenue from the 1/4% Sales Tax for Transportation and Public Safety Funds (approved in 2008 by the State of Illinois) toward improving transportation. These projects are now being realized as a result of those funds.
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History of Lake County Roads
This year the Lake County Division of Transportation is celebrating 100 years of service to Lake County. In this video, learn how a transportation system that started as dirt roads has become an impressive network of safe and efficient roadways, intersections, roundabouts and bike paths.
 

The Buffalo Grove Police Department is urging residents to keep alert for suspicious noises, vehicles or people around their homes in the wake of recent burglaries in which forced entry was made to homes.

There have been 7 residential burglaries in the Village during February and March, 2013. The burglaries have been occurring during the afternoon and evening hours. The offenders have been entering residences by breaking rear windows, prying back patio doors or forcing/kicking in the front door of the homes, taking items such as jewelry, cash, laptop computers and I-Pads.

The police department has increased marked and unmarked residential patrols and is utilizing a variety of community resources to address these crimes. Investigators have also been exchanging information with area police departments that have experienced similar crimes.

Residents are being asked to help deter future burglaries by calling 911 immediately if they hear any unusual noises, see any suspicious vehicles or observe any other unusual activity around their home or neighbors' homes.

View the monthly schedule of events at the Lake County Job Center. Research career trends, create a resume or cover letter, practice interviewing, and network with other job seekers at our sites throughout the month!

Do you need practice interviewing? There is an Interviewing Workshop at the ELA Public Library on April 19 at 12 p.m. ELA Public Library, Lake Zurich, 847.438.3433. 

Also check out this list of Favorite Job Search Websites compiled by the Lake County Job Center.

The Chief County Assessment Office and the Lake County Township Assessors Association will begin to hold Senior Freeze outreach sessions starting next week!

Residents will receive assistance in completing their 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Applications for taxes payable in 2014; as well as, service taxpayer needs on other homestead exemptions offered. Staff members will be working one on one with residents to complete any necessary exemption forms. View Schedule.

DATE - Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale: Saturday, May 11 (One Day Only)
Native Plant Sale: May 11 and May 12

TIME - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LOCATION - Independence Grove Forest Preserve, North Bay Pavilion
16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville

Interested in saving on your water bill, growing a healthier, greener and more bountiful garden while you're helping the environment? Using Rain Barrels and practicing Backyard Composting, are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond.

Learn more about the event, and the environmental benefits of these practices.
Event co-sponsored by SWALCO, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserves.

To celebrate Earth Day, Vernon Township and the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) have organized the 2nd Annual Recycle-O-Rama. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., at the Vernon Township / Highway Department Offices located at 3050 N Main St, Buffalo Grove. 

More Information.

We will also be collecting non perishable food for the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Donations begin to drop off at this time of year and with the increasing amount of people in need in our community any donation would be greatly appreciated.

Helping on the day of the event will be, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and students from Stevenson and Vernon Hills High Schools. If you have any questions, contact Commissioner Schroeder at bschroeder@vernontownship.com. 

 

Almond Marsh Rookery Observation
Welcome herons, cormorants and hooded mergansers back to Lake County this spring at Almond Marsh heron rookery (Grayslake). Visit the rookery every Saturday, 8am - noon, April through June. Lake County Audubon will be on hand Saturday, April 6, with bird books, binoculars to lend and refreshments while supplies last. www.LCFPD.org. 

Trout Season Opens
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda opens for rainbow trout fishing on Saturday, April 6, following the release of roughly 600 pounds of fish. For more information please visit our website at www.LCFPD.org.  

Spring Burn Season
March and April will be busy months for the Districts burn crew, as the conduct fires to revive natural areas. By mid-April, the program ends in order to protect wildlife. For current information about controlled burns, visit our website at www.LCFPD.org.  

Lake County Discovery Museum
Modern Masters: April 6 through August 25, 2013. Modern artists including Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Salvador Dali and others evidence the experimentation and symbolism widely recognized as hallmarks of modern art post World War I. Modern Masters is a national touring exhibition organized by the Pauly Friedman Gallery at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to artists, art educators and creative individuals everywhere who have taken the leap of imagination and turned it into tangible works of art for all to contemplate, study and interpret. www.LCFPD.org.