Pavement patching on Hainesville Road: Feb. 26, 2014

This winter has been rough on roads. As the temperature continuously drops and rises, the roads thaw and freeze over and over again. This allows water to seep in to the cracks during a thaw, which freezes and expands when the temperature drops again, creating potholes. When the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) isn't plowing snow, crews are out patching pavement. So far this season, LCDOT has used 80 tons of asphalt to fill potholes. There are several agencies responsible for maintaining roads-the Illinois Tollway, IDOT, Lake County DOT, municipalities, and townships. 

Know which agency to contact to report a problem.
Report potholes on a county highway: dot@lakecountyil.gov or 847.377.7400
Report potholes on state roads: elecc@dot.il.gov or 847.705.4612
LCDOT has a total of 10 pavement resurfacing projects planned for 2014. View a complete list and map. 

Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Take the time to prepare a family communications plan and an emergency kit now so that you are ready when severe weather strikes. During National Weather Preparedness week, learn more about local emergency preparedness and follow @Alert Lake County on Twitter for current news updates and weather alerts. 

Members of the Enroll Lake County! team will be on site to help individuals and families shop the Health Insurance Marketplace, learn about their health insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act, and sign people up for health care insurance. 

Entrances E and B, 12- 6 p.m. on each of the following days:
Monday, March 10
Wednesday, March 12
Thursday, March 13

Meet with a navigator on Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. for assistance. Walk in appointments available or call ahead at 847.377.4999. 

Filing taxes can be difficult. Fortunately there are free programs that can help you navigate this complex process. Check to see if you qualify for these assistance and tax preparation programs before filing your taxes!
IRS Free File (Free program for Federal taxes)
IRS VITA Program (Tax preparation by volunteers)
TCE Program (Tax counseling for the elderly) 

Each year, many residents forget to check the expiration date on their passports. There are a few different options depending on how much time you have until your trip.  If you need to apply for a new passport, or renew your existing passport, you can visit the U.S. State Department website to get an updated passport by mail or at a Passport Application Acceptance Facility.  

Hawthorn Woods was recently ranked eighth out of 97, in a list of Top 10 Safest Towns in Illinois.  Of the cities named, Hawthorn Woods was the only city around the Chicago-land area.  Read Full Article

Every voter has the convenient in-person early voting option at their local site where current and valid government-issued photo ID is required. Early voting began on Monday, March 3, and is offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting ends Saturday, March 15. Find your early voting site at LakeVoterPower.info or call 847.377.2410.  

The Board of Review exam is scheduled for March 28, at 9 a.m. For those interested in taking the exam, visit the Board of Review Website for the registration form, study packet and exam location and details.  

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Merit Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff. This opportunity is for current law enforcement officers that are looking for growth opportunities to enhance their career. More info 

Veterans and their dependents now have another option for assistance with filing claims. Beginning March 1, The Veterans Assistance Commission will have Saturday hours at the Wauconda American Legion, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is your opportunity to meet with an accredited service officer, and all services are free. Please call the VAC for an appointment at 847.377.3344.  

Sunday, March 16, 2 p.m.

Relive the triumphs and tribulations of the early pioneers in this exciting performance by Paddy Lynn. Performance followed by a Q&A session.  More information about the event on Cuneo Mansion's website. 
Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens
1350 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope you find this information helpful.  Please continue to ask questions and suggest topics for the e-newsletter. 

With so much going on at all levels of government, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns regarding this or other issues.  You can reach me via email or on my cell at (847) 971-0454.  

It is an honor to serve YOU on the County Board and Forest Preserve Board.

Sincerely,

Aaron Lawlor

P.S.  If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to sign up so I can get you information directly - especially in the case of a road closure, weather emergency or other issues.