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Lake County News -- David Stolman
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August 23, 2013
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Please let me know what you think of this newsletter, or if you have any questions or comments.
It's an honor and a pleasure serving you on the County and Forest Preserve boards.
Thank you,
David Stolman
847.377.2300
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Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Preventing Formation of Elections Commission
A judge recently granted Lake County's request to halt the creation of an elections commission, giving the clerk the responsibility to plan the next election as the County continues to challenge this unconstitutional law. The County filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that creates an elections commission because it specifically singles out Lake County and eliminates voters' right to choose who administers elections. Read the full pres release here.
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Roundabouts in Lake County
After a two month closure of
the intersection of Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road, a new modern roundabout opened on August 15, making the intersection safer and more efficient.
This is the fourth roundabout intersection constructed by Lake County and we will continue to look for other opportunities in the future. Modern roundabout intersections improve traffic flow by allowing traffic to yield rather than come to a complete stop at intersections and they improve safety by reducing the potential for the most serious types of traffic crashes. For more information, watch this video or visit the LCDOT roundabout website.
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Repaving of Illinois Route 53
 The repaving of Route 53 (from Route 83 to Lake Cook Road) recently began. The project will run through the end of October. Construction crews will be working on the road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Motorists are reminded to follow the posted construction speed limit, drive cautiously, and allow extra time for travel during these next few weeks. As there may be significant delays due to traffic congestion, motorists are encouraged to seek an alternate route to their destination.
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Lake County Launches 'Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local' program
Lake County purchases more than $186 million in goods and services each year including equipment, products, supplies, and services ranging from small to big purchases. In addition, the County spends millions of dollars on roads and buildings. For example, the County Board recently approved a $100 million Courthouse Expansion Project which includes construction of a new nine-story Criminal Court Tower in Waukegan.
Lake County's new Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local. program aims to connect Lake County businesses-including women-owned and minority businesses-with government procurement opportunities. Lake County is hosting an informational seminar on bid opportunities for the Courthouse Expansion Project on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Businesses are invited to attend this event and learn how to take advantage of opportunities to bid.
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Lake County Lifts Ban on Video Gaming in Unincorporated Area
The Lake County Board repealed its 2009 ban on video gaming and adopted anordinance regulating video gaming in the unincorporated areas. Numerous businesses had argued publicly that the County's ban had created unfair competition for them. Following a lengthy discussion, the measure passed by an 11 to 9 vote margin.
Currently, 19 municipalities already allow video gaming and in numerous cases, unincorporated businesses are a short distance from those establishments. The State's Video Gaming Act allows video gaming in licensed bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations and truck stops, and gives local governments the authority to approve or ban it in their jurisdictions. Under the law, businesses are charged a 30% tax on revenue from the machines, and a portion of that goes back to that local government. The board's vote directs future gaming tax revenue into a special fund. The county board also amended the County's Liquor Control Ordinance to establish additional video gaming enforcement tools. Watch board meeting discussion.
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Taxpayer Advocates, Help Centers and Other Resources for Property Owners
Many Lake County residents have received their property assessment notices in the mail. The Lake County Chief County Assessment Office provides a number of resources and tools to assist with evaluating your assessment. For more information, read the Full Press Release, visit the Assessor's Website and the Board of Review Website.
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Property Tax Due Date, September 6
The second installment of your Lake County property taxes is due Friday, September 6. A second bill will not be mailed to homeowners. The Treasurer's Office typically experiences long lines close to the property tax due date so taxpayers are
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Workforce News
Workforce Development Week
Join us August 26-30, as we celebrate Workforce Development Week. Each day, we'll take an in-depth look at "5 Steps to Your Next Job", the job search process and offer helpful events and information along the way. Join the conversation on Social Media using #workforceweek.
Tell us about your job search stories, find updates and exclusive online only resources. Click here for a "Job Fair Tips" handout. For more information visit their website.
Upcoming Job Fairs
September 12th - Employment Expo: Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center
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Lake County Forest Preserves
Hike Lake County
Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. At each preserve, look for the Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. Complete just seven of the 13 hikes between August 15 and November 30, and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick. Use this Travel Log to record each hike and submit them online. For m ore information, including mobile check in apps, visit their website.
Buy a walking stick, dog collar, and other Forest Preserve Gear here.
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