Comments by Carter -- Lake County News
Lake County NewsOctober 11, 2013

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In This Issue
Budget Update
Affordable Health Care Act & Flu Shots
Beekeeping and Hens
LCDOT's Fall Bike Trails
Go Green Lake County
Water Meter Replacement
Reserve Deputy Applications
Forest Preserves News and Events
Quick Links
Stormwater Management
Workforce Development

Village of Fox Lake
Village of Lakemoor
Village of Round Lake
Village of Volo
Village of Wauconda
Grant Township
Wauconda Township
Fox Lake Library
Job Center of Lake County
Who's Hiring?
Visit the "Who's Hiring" page from the Job Center of Lake County to get the latest job postings in our area!
Visit Lake County

Friends and neighbors,

 

As always, it's a pleasure and honor representing you on the County and Forest Preserve Boards.  Please contact me any time for any reason.  I am always glad to hear your concerns, interests and ideas.  Government works best with your involvement.

Bonnie

Bonnie Thomson Carter

Lake County Board District 5

 

 

Millennium Trail to Reopen at Marl Flat Forest Preserve    
This 1.4 mile section of trail, stretching from the Volo Village Hall north to Marl Flat Forest Preserve, is scheduled to open this Saturday (10/12), and includes a 32-car parking lot off of Fish Lake Road, benches, restroom and information kiosk. With the completion of this trail section, a continuous link is now available from Lakewood Forest Preserve through Singing Hills to Marl Flat Forest Preserve. In addition to the new parking lot, visitors can access this section of trail by parking at the Singing Hills parking lot at the northeast corner of Fish Lake Road and Gilmer Road.
Marl Flat Forest Preserve 
Map 

Board Considers Recommended FY 2014 Budget
The recommended FY 2014 budget is now available. The budget is balanced at $487.7 million. The budget has remained flat for the last three years and is $10 million less than five years ago. Lake County maintains its fiscal stability. The County Board will review and discuss the budget at a series of hearings Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, and will adopt the budget at its meeting on Nov. 12. Visit the Budget web portal for budget information and to view the recommended budget. View Board calendar for meeting information. 
Affordable Health Care Act & Flu Shots
Enroll Lake County! Educates Residents about Insurance Options Available through the Affordable Care Act
Residents looking for information on the new health insurance options available through the Affordable Care Act can talk with counselors in person at locations throughout the county. Counselors will help consumers understand coverage options, determine eligibility, and enroll in affordable health insurance options. To find a convenient location, simply enter your address in our interactive map. Enrollment locations will be highlighted on the map and relevant information about each location displayed.

The Enroll Lake County! initiative is being led by the Lake County Health Department and includes government representatives, community-based organizations, faith and civic groups, library networks, schools, businesses, and primary care providers. Visit EnrollLakeCounty.com for more information.

Watch Video: Healthy Lake County 

In this video, learn more about flu vaccinations, see how
October 2013 Healthy Lake County
October 2013 Healthy Lake County
uninsured Lake County residents can learn about the Affordable Health Care, and more. 

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations to the general public. Choose between the flu shot and the nasal spray. Appointment required. 847.377.8470 More

Health Department Immunization Annex, 2303 Dodge Ave., Waukegan 
Public Hearing on Proposal to Allow Beekeeping and Hens in Unincorporated Area, Oct 17
The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing on proposed regulations to allow beekeeping and hens in unincorporated areas has been rescheduled to Oct. 17. (The meeting was originally scheduled for Oct. 7).

Thursday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.
Lake County Forest Preserve Independence Grove Visitor Center, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville

Hoophouse
Hoophouse
Lake County is considering new regulations that would allow the keeping of bees, hens, and hoophouses (as pictured) for local food production of unincorporated Lake County. The proposed regulations would establish maintenance standards for keeping bees, chickens, and hoophouses, including:
* Two beehives on residential lots of at least � acre, and one additional beehive for each extra 10,000 square feet of lot area.
* No more than six hens to be kept on residential lots of at least � acre.
* Hoophouses, 50 square feet in size for each 10,000 square feet of residential lot area.

The amendments are intended to support local food production. Learn more about how local food systems offer many economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits that apply to businesses, residents, and Lake County as a whole at  lakecountyil.gov/LocalFood

Proposed Amendments 
LCDOT Bike Trails in the Fall
Wondering what bike trails to explore this fall? Lake County has bike trails for everyone. Whether it's the Des Plaines River trail, the Robert McClory bike Trail or the Skokie Valley Trail, now is the time to enjoy the fall weather, stay active, and surround yourself with the natural beauty of Lake County's Bike Trails.

Best Fall Bike Trails Blog
Map of Lake County Bike Trails 

Share your biking Lake County stories and photos at [email protected]  
How do you go green Lake County?
Village Homesteading Mundelein
Watch this video to learn about a group of Mundelein residents who want to get back to the land and family-based values. Along with new greener technologies, they embrace conservation, self-sufficiency, and environmental responsibility.

October is Energy Awareness Month
Everyday actions, such as turning off your lights or adjusting your thermostat can help lower your energy use and save money. See what steps Lake County is taking toward energy conservation and sustainability, and what you can do to help here.
Water Meter Replacement Coming for Lake County Public Works Customers
Lake County is replacing 20,600 water meters with new automated meters, which provide for accurate, timely, and reliable reading without having to gain access to customers' properties. The new meters -which will be replaced at no cost to customers-will be able to identify high water usage and potential leaks, and customers will be able to access their water usage and account information conveniently on-line. If you haven't already, you will soon receive a postcard from Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI) to schedule an appointment to replace your meter.  Check out our FAQ or visit www.lakecountyil.gov/publicworks  for more information.

Program Overview
 
The Lake County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Unit is Currently Accepting Applications
Interested in becoming a Lake County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy? The Reserve Deputy Unit is a volunteer unit which augments the Sheriff's Office in times of natural and man-made emergencies. Requirements and more information here

The application deadline is Oct.31
Applications can be downloaded here or picked up at 1301 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville
Contact Lt. Ryan McCormack at [email protected] or 847-377-7020. 
Forest Preserves News and Events    
Upcoming Programs 

Restoration Workdays
Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.
Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save some of Lake County's natural areas. New volunteers and groups of four or more, please RSVP to Tom Smith, Stewardship Coordinator. More

Special Events
Chocolate, Champagne and Shopping Fundraiser
Friday, Nov. 15, 4:30 - 9 p.m.
1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Sip champagne and enjoy delicious chocolates while shopping for gourmet kitchen tools, fair trade gifts, candles, jewelry, and more. All proceeds benefit the Lake County Discovery Museum. More info and tickets here

Forest Preserves News
Seismometer at Ryerson Woods
A seismometer (a sensitive instrument that measures movement in the ground, including earthquakes) was placed underground at Ryerson Woods in the summer of 2011 as part of a nationwide research project, recording earthquakes from around the world. To see if any special activity was recorded today, click here.

Rainbow Trout Season Opens Saturday, Oct. 19
Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken until the fall trout season opens on October 19 at 6:30 am. Most of the trout range in size from three-quarters to one pound. Daily creel limit is five and fishing is free.
Trout Season Info
Download a guide to fishing or call at 847-367-6640 to request a free copy.

Halloween Happenings
Small Discoveries-A Happy Halloween
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10-11 a.m.
Lake County Discovery Museum
27277 N Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda
More

Halloween Hikes
Oct. 25-26, 6-8 p.m.
Ryerson Woods
21950 N Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods
60 minute guided group hike along a candlelit path to watch fun nature-themed skits. More

Trick or Treat Trails
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2-7 p.m.
Greenbelt Cultural Center
1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago 
More