Lake County News -- Steve Carlson
Lake County News -- Steve Carlson
April 19, 2013
Quick Links
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

Flood Information

FLOOD LEVELS TO INCREASE ON THE FOX, CHAIN
Current Conditions
Significant flooding continues in Lake County from the Chain O'Lakes and Des Plaines River. The Des Plaines at Lincolnshire saw major flood levels causing structural damage and evacuations in this area. Water has crested, or is cresting (which means that the water is at the highest level and will begin to recede) on the Des Plaines River and North Branch of the Chicago River in the eastern portion of Lake County. Meanwhile, water levels on the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes continue to rise. Cresting on the Chain O'Lakes and Fox is expected early next week.

Minimal precipitation is forecast over the next few days.


Damage Assessments 
Lake County continues to provide assistance and coordinate information to communities impacted by the recent flooding. Lake County's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working with the municipalities and townships to capture a countywide, preliminary damage assessment to include flood and storm damage and associated costs. Lake County will then report this information to Illinois EMA.
Property owners should report damage to their local municipality or to Lake County Planning, Building, and Development at 847-377-2081.


Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines River at the Gurnee gauge (Route 120 and Route 137/Buckley Road), and the Lincolnshire gauge have crested.
Major flood levels are likely to persist along the Des Plaines River through the weekend.

Traffic/Road Conditions
Some roads across the county remain closed. The public can get up-to-date traffic information at www.lakecountypassage.com, or AM1620. You can also follow PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE for current road conditions.

Detention Basins
Detention basins throughout the county are at capacity and can be dangerous. Do not attempt to clear inlets or outlets, and stay away from the water. Call your municipality or township if you are having a flooding issue due to an overtopped basin.

Sandbag Information
Lake County has distributed about 250,00 sandbags to impacted communities and continues to provide sandbags to impacted areas. Residents in need of sandbags should contact their municipality or township directly. The public can visit www.lakecountyil.gov for contact information.

Safety Information
The recent rains in Lake County have brought about incidents of flooding and possible sewer back-ups in a number of areas. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center recommends a number of steps to minimize health hazards for residents who have experienced flooding in or around their homes.
Safety Tips
If you have questions or concerns, call Environmental Health Services of the Lake County Health Department at: 847.377-8020. 

Doing Business with Lake County

Lake County is always seeking qualified contractors and suppliers to provide goods and services. For example, the Lake County Board recently approved an extensive, multi-year $120 million court expansion project that will provide many opportunities for contractors to bid on projects. The county board is committed to enhancing opportunities for local contractors and businesses to participate in the bid process for this project, and all Lake County projects.
 

To learn how to do business with Lake County, and register for updates on bid notifications and Request for Proposals (RFP), visit doingbusiness.lakecountyil.gov. For more information on the courts expansion project, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/courtsexpansion.

Job Search Tips, Events and Resources

Prepare for Lake County's largest job fair by attending Jobseeker Events in Grayslake on May 8.  Key topics will include how to use Linked In and what employers are seeking in candidates. Bring a resume for review.

 

Monthly Veteran's Workshop, April 24
Please join us for a Goal Setting workshop for military veterans at the Lake County Job Center.

 

View the monthly schedule of events at the Lake County Job Center.  Research career trends, create a resume or cover letter, practice interviewing, and network with other job seekers at our sites throughout the month!

Mill Creek Watershed and Flood Mitigation Plan

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission was awarded a $250,000 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity IKE Planning and Technical Assistance grant to develop a watershed and flood mitigation plan for the 31 square mile Mill Creek watershed, a tributary to the Des Plaines River in north central Lake County. Watershed communities include Grandwood Park, Grayslake, Gurnee, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, Old Mill Creek, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park, Third Lake and Wadsworth. Stakeholders, including homeowners and landowners, local units of government, business owners, non-profit organizations and others are invited to help develop the plan. The Mill Creek watershed is considered a planning priority due to flood problem areas including the 2008 flood event, impaired water quality in 10 of the 11 lakes within the watershed, and estimated population growth over the next 20 years that may impact the watershed's vast natural resources.
 

Upcoming planning meetings 
Mill Creek watershed map

For more information  

New Lake County Health Department Executive Director Named

Antonio "Tony" Beltran will begin working May 6, 2013 as the new executive director for the Health Department, replacing Irene T. Pierce, who retired in March after serving as executive director for five years. He brings not only a master's degree in business administration, but also a wealth of experience in public health, including managing community health centers, developing financially sustainable programs and creating accountability standards.

News Release 

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Outreach Sessions

 

Applications for the 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption have been mailed, and it requires an annual renewal. To assist with the application, the Chief County Assessment Office and the Lake County Township Assessors Association will hold Senior Freeze outreach sessions in April and May. 
 

Residents will receive assistance in completing their 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Applications for taxes payable in 2014; as well as, service taxpayer needs on other homestead exemptions offered. Staff members will be working one on one with residents to complete any necessary exemption forms.

Healthy Lake County

Do you know what to do if you encounter a coyote? Have you heard aboutHealthy Lake County  the Express Clinic to quickly screen for sexually transmitted infections? In less than five minutes you can learn about these topics and more in this month's video.

Upcoming Pet Vaccine Clinics

 

Lindenhurst Police Department Vaccination Clinic
2301 E. Sand Lake Rd., Lindenhurst,
847-356-5400
April 20, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
 

Vernon Hills Police Department Microchip Clinic
754 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
847-362-4449
April 27, 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.

 

For more information visit the Lake County Health Department website

Upcoming Electronics Collections 

Warren Township (Document Shredding & Electronics Collection)
17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For a complete list of what will and wont be accepted, visit our website and view our flyer.

Upcoming Community Events

 

GRANDWOOD PARK PARK DISTRICT
Hobby/Craft Night: Friday, May 3rd, 2013 - 5:00pm-11:00pm at the Community Center. Only $4.00 per person. Bring a snack to share, and your own beverages. Check our website for all the details and to register.  Registrations are preferred so we have enough space set up for everyone, however walk-ins are welcome. Website link 


Camp Grandwood: Summer program for kids 4-6 years old.  Includes crafts, stories, songs, snacks, gross motor activities, indoors and out. Will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 11 thru July 16 (no class July 4th) from 9:00-11:30am.  $140-residents / $150-non-residents.
Please register online at www.grandwoodpark.net/programs-camp-grandwood or in person at 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee  (afternoons only).  For more info, check website or call 847-356-0008.
Website link:  http://www.grandwoodpark.net/programs-camp-grandwood/

 

Grandwood Park Park District Preschool Registration

We are currently taking Registrations for our programs.  Information and/or Registration packets are available now on our website (www.grandwoodpark.net/preschool-registration-packets).  You may also call 847-356-1296 or send an email to [email protected] to receive yours by mail.


Jazzercise: 6 days a week, morning and evening classes, 14 classes a week. All fitness levels.  Ages 13+.  See our website at

http://www.grandwoodpark.net/programs-jazzercise/ for details.


Rentals: Having a party and need a place to hold it?  The Park District has the perfect place for you at affordable rates.  Check out the information on our website at http://www.grandwoodpark.net/rentals/ or call us at 847-356-0008 for information.


GRANDWOOD PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION

BINGO: Friday, April 19th, 2013. Doors open at 6:00pm. PRICES HAVE BEEN LOWERED. Come join us for an evening of fun!  Cash prizes. Food and beverages for sale. Check out the website for more information

http://www.grandwoodpark.net/programs-bingo/  

 

Forest Preserves News

New Executive Director of the Forest Preserve

The Lake County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners named a new executive director to lead the district. Following an extensive recruitment and selection process, the board approved a contract with Alex Ty Kovach, of Akeley, Minn., to serve as the district's next executive director, effective June 12.
Kovach succeeds Tom Hahn who retired March 29 after 14 years of service, nine in the top position. Deputy Executive Director Andy Kimmel will serve as interim executive director until Kovach officially begins work.

News Release

 

Lake County Forest Preserve Progress Report 2012

Thanks to your support, we were able to protect some of Lake County's most important natural areas, maintain over 168 miles of trails, present award-winning educational and cultural programs, events and exhibits, and restore many acres of habitat for Lake County's native plants and animals. This year's update is in the form of an infographic and can be viewed here.
http://infogr.am/2012-Achievements/
 

Earth Week April 20-26
A week of free nature programs in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Celebrate spring, learn about ecology, join a nature walk or lend a hand to help save the planet by joining a special volunteer workday. All programs are FREE. All ages. No registration required. Visit our website at www.LCFPD.org
 

Adlai E. Stevenson Home Tours Begin
Learn more about this Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations as you tour his restored family home on Sunday, May 5. Tour times are 11 am-12 p.m., 1-2 p.m. & 2:30-3:30 p.m.
 

2013 Summer Camp Registration
Summer camp registration is available. Visit www.LCFPD.org for details or to register or contact the District's General Offices at 847-367-6640.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District on the Web
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LCFPD
Nature Blog  www.LakeCountyNature.com
History blog www.LakeCountyHistory.blogspot.com 
Twitter 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/

If you have any questions or concerns, or a community event that you would like to see in this newsletter, please call me at  847.356.4167 (home) or 224.627.0767 (cell) or email me at [email protected].  

  

Best wishes,

 

Steve Carlson

Lake County Board Member and Forest Preserve Commissioner