August 23, 2013

In This Issue
Lawsuit Update
Miller Road Update
Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local.
Roundabouts in Lake County
Video Gaming Ban Lifted
Taxpayer Resources
Workforce News
Upcoming Community Events
Hike Lake County
County Quick Links



Discount Prescriptions

Local Links






Job Center
Click here to view a list of employers in Lake County with open positions!




SWALCO
Events and Happenings in Lake County
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.
More Info.
Plans for Route 53 Extension

This project is currently in planning stages, which includes examining the feasibility of financing and land use.   

The Illinois Route 53/120 Project is proposed to be a 21st century urban highway - a modern boulevard with a small footprint to protect the natural environment and preserve the character Lake County. It is envisioned as a multi-modal, sustainable and innovative transportation system that will address specific needs for congestion relief and provide greater connectivity. Click here for information on the project details including a construction timeline.
Construction Project Updates

Route 22 and Miller Road Update 
DetourThis project is currently 10% complete. A new bridge is scheduled to be opened to traffic by October 19 and the remaining work finished by November 30.

Improvements also include road resurfacing, construction of a retaining wall, curb and gutter installation, guardrail, drainage, pavement markings and landscape restoration. Click here for detour map and click here for full update details.  
 

Route 53 Repaving
Recently, the repaving of Route 53 (from Route 83 to Lake Cook Road) began.  This 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.  See Press Release
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. For more information, visit www.LakeCountyCourthouseExpansion.com
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 and read this press release.  
Lake County Lifts Ban on Video Gaming in Unincorporated Area

The Lake County Board repealed its 2009 ban on video gaming and adopted an ordinance 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. 
Taxpayer Advocates, Help Centers and Other Resources for Property Owners

Many Lake County residents have received their property assessments 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.  
Workforce News

Workforce Development Week: 5 Steps to Your Next Job
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. For more information visit their website.

Join the conversation on Social Media using #workforceweek. Tell us about your job search stories, find updates and exclusive online only resources. 

Upcoming Job Fairs
August 29th Employment Opportunities Fair: Zion Park District Leisure Center
September 12th Employment Expo: Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center 

Click here for a "Job Fair Tips" handout. 
Upcoming Community Events  

Taste of the Towns

Sunday, August 25, 3 - 7 p.m
Taste of the Towns features local restaurants, wineries, and breweries who will be serving samples of their menus. There will be picnic and pavilion seating available. This is your chance to try local restaurants!  Purchase your tasting menu here.

 Glow Ball Golf at Night 
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m.    
Kemper Lakes Golf Club
24000 N.Old McHenry Road, Kildeer
Come out for a night of fun at the Glow Ball Golf at Night event. Sign up today and enjoy an evening with dinner, 3 holes of glow ball golf with a cart and a signature cocktail.  Click here for event information including tickets


Stroke Screening
 
Friday, September 20, 2013
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital - Prairie Conference Room 
450 W Highway 22, Barrington
Life Line Screening is proud to hold a health screening event in Barrington, IL at the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital.   

Lake Zurich Farmers Market

Fridays through September 27, 3 - 7 p.m.
Paulus Park, Lake Zurich. 

Bakery items, sauces, honey, pesto, spices, olives, kettle corn, cheese, eggs, fresh meat & seafood, and more! We're looking forward to it - see you there! More info

Barrington Farmers Market
Thursdays through October 17, 2 - 7 p.m.
Downtown Barrington
The Barrington Farmers Market will offer a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, honey, breads, dog treats, and pasta. Weekly crafts start at 4 p.m. More info
Forest Preserves News: 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 more information, including mobile check in apps, visit their website.

Buy a walking stick, dog collar, and other Forest Preserve Gear here.  
As always, I'm looking for ways to improve the content of this newsletter and continue to look to you for suggestions/ ideas.  Let me know what you'd like covered and I'll do what I can to incorporate it in future issues.  Also if you know of events or news of interest concerning our area, I'd appreciate you letting me know about it so we can share it with our fellow residents.

Please forward this e-newsletter to anyone you feel may benefit from its content.  By helping me get the word out in this manner, you're also helping me go green!  Thank you!

Should you need to contact me, my contact information follows:

Home phone: 847-438-2961
Cell phone: 224-805-6027

I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you!

Please stay safe!
Thanks,
Craig

Lake County Board Memember & Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner
District 19 Representative
Serving
Barrington, Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, and Long Grove