The Illinois Tollway continues to move forward on recommendations outlined by the Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council. Lake County received notice that the Tollway staff is recommending that the Tollway Board award a contract for initial studies, including better understanding of project costs, market conditions and other factors. The Tollway Board is scheduled to consider the contract in February and expects work would begin in April.

The board took action on the following projects: 

• $19 million intersection improvement at Fairfield Road and Rte. 176 (includes reconstruction and widening, new traffic signals, and signal coordination through Lake County PASSAGE)   
• $2.3 million for resurfacing Sunset Road, Golf Road and Greenwood Avenue from Green Bay Road to Sheridan Road  
• Phase II design engineering for the reconstruction and widening of Petite Lake Road from IL Rte. 59 to Fairfield Road  
• PASSAGE expansion (includes 20 new signals, cameras, fiber optics and wireless links)  
• Right-of-Way Acquisition for the reconstruction and widening of Quentin Road and for a roundabout at River Road and Roberts Road

The Lake County Board wants to know what's important to you so our strategic plan represents the community's priorities. Lake County is holding five community forums to engage in meaningful dialogue with residents and stakeholders. You can help shape important policy and budget decisions, and influence where the County will focus its resources.  The Lake County Board will thoughtfully consider this input as it develops its long-term strategic plan.You have a voice in this process!

6-7 p.m. Open House

Visit informational displays, ask questions, and learn about County services and programs.

7 p.m. Community Forum

Share your input and participate in interactive exercises. 

Jim Barkemeyer, Bannockburn's Village President, was named Chairman of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) board. Barkemeyer takes over for Stevenson Mountsier, who stepped down from the County Board in 2012 and after serving as SMC's chair since 2001.

"I'm looking forward to working with working with my fellow board members and staff to continue forging partnerships and carrying out SMC's mission of flood reduction, water quality improvement, and natural resource protection," said Barkemeyer.

The 12-member board also voted Craig Taylor, County Board District 19, Vice Chair; Mayor Kristina Kovarik, Village of Gurnee, Treasurer; and Ann Maine, County Board District 21, Secretary. In addition to Barkemeyer, municipal members include Mayor Jim Dietz, Village of Round Lake; Richard Gust, Village of Beach Park Trustee; Mayor Leon Rockingham, City of North Chicago; and Maria Rodriguez, Village President of Long Grove.

Read the full press release.

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) Board approved $141,112 in annual Watershed Management Board (WMB) cost-share grants to local governments, homeowner associations and watershed groups for 15 projects focused on improvements to natural and manmade stormwater systems to reduce flood damage and improve water quality, and for watershed planning. The projects total value is estimated at over $385,000.

Read the full press release.

In this edition of County Update, newly elected Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor (District 18) highlights his priorities as chairman, and the priorities of the Lake County Board. Some of those key issues include transportation, fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Watch now.

It is time, once again, for the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program. This popular program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences for approximately 150 youth this summer. Learn more about the program in this three-minute video.  

For program requirements and information on how to apply, please visit the website. Applications will be accepted during the month of February.

2013 Relay For Life Kickoff Event

 February 8, 7 to 9 p.m.

Wauconda High School Cafeteria

Learn about the fun and new activities and plans for the 2013 Lake Zurich Area/Wauconda/Island lake Relay For Life and register your team. Special performances by local students and exciting prizes and refreshments.  Open to all to attend. More info.

Profiles in Excellence - Honoring Our Educators

Feb. 3, 3 to 5 p.m., Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago)

Celebrate the contribution of Lake County's African-American teachers at the 30th annual Profiles in Excellence event. Guest speakers, local choirs, refreshments and more at this annual event. Free. No registration required.

2013 Summer Camp Registration

Summer camp registration has begun. Go to www.LCFPD.org/camps or contact the District's General Offices at 847.367.6640. Early bird discounts on registration fees available thru Feb. 15.

Dickens: 200 Years of Celebrity

The legendary Charles Dickens created some of the world's most memorable characters with Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim and scores of others. This exhibition, running through Feb. 24, introduces Dickens as the first international celebrity of the modern age. Hundreds of objects and documents from an exclusive private collection, together with a rare collection of first editions of his most famous works, tell the story of how Charles Dickens and his characters became enduring cultural icons. More info.

Annual 2013 Dog Permits Are available For Purchase

Annual Dog Area permits for 2013 are available for purchase on-line at www.LCFPD.org, in person at the Operations and Public Safety facility in Lindenhurst and the General Offices in Libertyville, or by calling 847.367.6640.

Winter Sports & Activities Around the District

Your Lake County Forest Preserves offer endless opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation, nature exploration and relaxation. Most Forest Preserves are located just minutes from your home and boast award-winning facilities, miles of trails and acres of wide-open spaces for visitors of all ages to enjoy For condition updates, check the District website at www.LCFPD.org or call our 24-hr hotline: 847-968-3235.

School & Scout Programs for Teachers and Scout Leaders

Did you know the Lake County Forest Preserve District offers expertly guided, hands-on school and scout programs throughout Lake County? In addition to field trips, we'll also come to your school with our in-school programs. Search for programs to meet your needs using this link provided www.LCFPD.org/education or by calling 847.367.6640

Ryerson Woods

Sky/Place

Is There a Controlled Burn Near Me?

If you have any questions or concerns about controlled burning or would like to find out when a burn is occurring in a Lake County Forest Preserve near you, please contact Leslie Berns at 847-968-3293, e-mail at lberns@LCFPD.org. You can also access information about controlled burn at www.LCFPD.org or by calling the District's General Offices at 847.367.6640.

On the Web

Visit the Nature Blog at www.LakeCountyNature.com to learn about current natural events and to discover suggestions of places to explore local nature niches in the Lake County Forest Preserves. Get news, event announcements and fun nature photos from your Lake County Forest Preserves at www.Twitter.com/LCFPD. Share an image of your visit to a Lake County Forest Preserve via Flickr at www.Flickr.com/groups/LCFPD/, or follow the Forest Preserves us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCFPD.