Plans for the extension of Illinois Route 53/120 in Lake County are moving forward with the approval of funding for a Corridor Land Use and Transportation Plan that will be developed in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Lake County, and communities along the corridor to integrate land use, transportation, economic development, and open space.

CMAP approved the $940,000 project using funds from the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, state, and local sources. Click here to read the full press release.  

In an effort to enhance transparency, the Lake County Board of Review is accepting public comment on the rules that guide the property assessment appeal process. The three member board is responsible for hearing evidence and making decisions on appeals, and it has the authority to confirm, reduce, or increase any assessment. The public can review the draft 2013 Board of Review Rules at boardofreview.lakecountyil.gov. All suggestions or comments for the board's consideration should be emailed to the Board of Review by 5 p.m. on July 1. The Board of Review will approve the rules document at a meeting in early July. 

Additionally, the Lake County Chief County Assessment Office provides several resources to assist taxpayers in the appeal process, including website tools whereby taxpayers can access detailed property information, and more. For 2013, individuals filing appeals can also talk to taxpayer advocates that are available each business day during the assessment appeal filing periods to provide an additional resource for taxpayers in this time frame. The Chief County Assessment Office will also provide a series of help centers where taxpayers can obtain one-on-one assistance. For more information, visit assessor.lakecountyil.gov. Assessment notices will be mailed starting in late July through mid-August this year.   

Did you know that when you go to your local

 farmers market that you support the local economy, the environment, and your health by eating fresh produce? Learn more about the benefits of buying local food, check out our new Farmers Market Finder and watch a video about sustainable farming.  

Local Farmers Markets:

Long Grove - Sundays from 10 am - 2 pm, June 9 - October 13 

Archer Parking Lot, Downtown Long Grove.

Lake Zurich - Fridays from 3 - 7 pm, June 14 - September 27

Paulus Park   

Hawthorn Woods - Fridays from 3 - 7 pm, June 14 - September 20 Community Park  

What if you could know if there was a crash, stall or other traffic incident on your commute? You can! Personalize your route in Lake County PASSAGE by entering the roads and times you drive, and if something happens along your route, PASSAGE will send an alert to your mobile device, or email. Check it before you hit the road to save time and avoid gridlock!  

Watch this tutorial to see how easy it is to sign up.

Sign-up Here for customized e-mail alerts

The Lake County Board has a goal to divert 60% of the waste stream away from landfills by 2030. The board recently approved changes to the Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance incorporating specific recommendations toward achieving this goal, including requiring haulers (in the unincorporated area) to provide residents with containers for collecting recyclable materials, and information on how and what materials to recycle. 

What can you do? Make recycling a daily habit by changing your mind set to recycle first - trash last! Lake County residents have access to single-stream recycling, which means no sorting of recyclables is necessary. Everything can be placed in the same container with no guessing games. For a list of what can and cannot be recycled in Lake County, visit www.RecycleFirstTrashLast.org, or check out these recycling guidelines . 

There are 241,000 households in Lake County that can participate in curbside recycling. If each household does their part, those numbers can add up fast!  

Lake County Job Center Helps Veterans Find Employment 

The Lake County Job Center, with Illinois WorkNet, helps local military veterans find a job. Through their Veterans Priority program, Illinois WorkNet helps those who have served our country every step of the way; from updating your resume to making connections and achieving your goal. Veterans can explore career options, prepare for job interviews and receive job search assistance.  For more information on Veterans Priority and to view resources, visit their website.

Veterans Services Network

The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program works through a network of agencies to help military personnel, veterans and their families face challenges, before, during and after deployments. The program focuses on veterans, active duty military personnel and their families especially, but not limited to, their connection to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services is a partnership with Lake County and McHenry County and a wide network of other agencies. To learn more about the Veterans Services Network, visit their website.

LCP Starts VetLoan Advantage Lending Initiative

Lake County Partners proudly announces its participation in a VetLoan Advantage Initiative through the SBA 504 Loan Program.  Lake County Partners will waive out-of-pocket loan closing fees (such as title policy, environmental reports, etc) up to $2,000 for businesses owned by U. S. veterans. This reduces the cost of borrowing through the 504 Program, which offers great terms for industrial / commercial land, building, and equipment. In addition to a low-down payment (in most cases 10%), the 504 Program provides low-interest, long-term financing. Contact Patricia Fening by email or by phone at 847-597-1229 for more information about this great program and a great offer for our veterans! 

Applications are still being accepted for college scholarships.  Eligible students must have just graduated from Lake Zurich High School and plan to continue higher education at a university, community college or technical or trade school.  Contact Ela Township for details and an application at 847-438-7823.

Ela Township officials are seeking a flag design to represent the Township. The winning artist will receive a $400 gift card to the Apple Store. Submissions must be in full color and must translate to a standard flag size of 3' x 5' with horizontal orientation.  Submissions due by August 1st, 2013. 

Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing

Date: July 1 at 10 a.m. 

Where: Kemper Lake Golf Club 

24000 N.Old McHenry Road, Kildeer 

Lake Zurich Independence Day
Date: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Where: Paulus Park
200 South Rand Road, Lake Zurich

Barrington 4th of July Festival
Date: July 4 at Dusk
Where: Barrington High School
616 West Main, Barrington

Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Days 2013

Date: July 25-27, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (until 3 p.m. on Sunday)  

Were: Downtown Barrington

Main Street, Barrington

Lake County Discovery Museum Hosts Civil War Reenactment

The Lake County Discovery Museum is proud to present the 22nd annual Civil War Days encampment in 2013. The event features infantry, cavalry and artillery reenactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, medical personnel and civilians. Ongoing drills, kids' activities, and Civil War era shopping are available both days. 

Click for more information and tickets.