February 25, 2011

Friday, February 25, 2:30 p.m.

Emergency Management Partner Update

The National Weather Service (NWS) is continuing the flood warnings for Lake County, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) remains in YELLOW ALERT (Threat Holding) flood status.  Weather over the next five days is expected to remain unsettled, with snow possible tonight and tomorrow, and rain or snow possible Sunday night and Monday morning. There is some disagreement between various forecast models, which means that confidence in forecast storm tracks, precipitation amounts, and even types of precipitation is low. People with homes or businesses in flood-prone areas should monitor the evolving weather forecast over the next several days in the event that any protective actions become necessary. 

•   Current water levels: The area creeks and rivers crested recently and are receding slowly.  The Chain O'Lakes system continues to rise slowly and appears to be cresting near the "summer  pool" elevation, with stage readings between 4 and 5 feet.  At this water level, the Chain still has some capacity to store additional water, but storage continues to decrease. 
•  Weather: The snow that was forecast for last night did not develop in our area. There is a potential for significant precipitation this Sunday night and Monday, with forecast models showing a storm developing and our area likely in the mixing zone of warm moist air and cold Canadian air.  The current NWS 5-day forecast includes from 1 to 1.5 inches of precipitation for Lake County, but model uncertainty is high.  Also, the form of precipitation with the Sunday/Monday storm is uncertain, and precipitation that does fall could be in the form of snow, rain, or a mix of both.
•  Runoff Conditions: A higher-than-normal portion of rain that does fall is expected to move quickly to streams and rivers, as the ground remains essentially frozen. Rain that falls in the upper reaches of the Fox and Des Plaines watersheds could lead to melting of the remaining 1 to 4 inches of snowpack, adding to increased runoff amounts.
•  River Forecasts: At this time, the NWS is not forecasting the area's creek and river water levels to increase, but these forecasts may be updated in the coming days as the precipitation forecasts are revised. Current and forecast river levels for some locations are available at the NWS webpage: www.weather.gov/chicago. Choose the "Rivers and Lakes" text choice in the left side menu bar to see an interactive area map with individual gauge sites that can be clicked for more detailed current and forecast information. 

Lake County Stormwater Management and Emergency Management will continue to monitor the flooding situation and provide updates when appropriate. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us, during office hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 847-377-7100, or after hours through the Lake County Sheriff's 9-1-1 center at 847-549-5200.

State Approves Allocation of Lake Michigan Water

Ten communities in northern and western Lake County have received approval from the State to obtain Lake Michigan water. The allocation approval is the first step in a complex process to transition from ground water to Lake Michigan water in order to meet long-term water demands for this growing area.

In this video, County Board Member Bonnie Thomson Carter (District 5) explains why this project is important.  

Jobapalooza

A Lake County Job Resource for Young Adults: Dress to Impress!

Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: College of Lake County, phys ed. center

19351 W. Washington St. Grayslake, IL

Read the Jobapalooza Flyer

Who's Hiring in Lake County?

View a sampling of organizations who are hiring in Lake County this month at the Who's Hiringwebpage 

The Job Center of Lake County

1 N. Genesee St. Waukegan, IL 60085

800 Lancer Lane, Grayslake, IL 60030

View our schedule of eventsto find ways to maximize your job search or change careers.  

UNIVERSITY CENTER NIGHT

MARCH 8

6:00pm to 8:00pm

The University Center of Lake County will host an information session on Tuesday, March 8 from 6 to 8 pm at the Grayslake facility (1200 University Center Drive; at the intersection of Washington St. and Lancer Lane). "University Center Night" showcases the close to 90 programs available in Grayslake, in Waukegan, at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, or via online study. Representatives from the University Center's eighteen member institutions will be on hand to answer questions and provide further information about their programs.

Offerings include the junior/senior years of bachelor's degrees, so that students who have completed the first two years of study at the College of Lake County (or elsewhere) can remain in Lake County to complete their degrees. Numerous graduate degrees and professional development programs are also offered.

The University Center's member institutions are:  Benedictine University, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Concordia University Chicago, DePaul University, Dominican University, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Kendall College, National-Louis University, North Park University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Olivet Nazarene University, Saint Xavier University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois at Springfield, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Each offers selected programs.

For more information about programs offered through the University Center of Lake County, visit its website www.ucenter.org or call 847/665-4000.

Health Department Offers Low-cost Pet Vaccination Clinic 

in Mundelein, March 12

he Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center's Animal Care and Control Program, together with the 4H Club All In Ag, will offer a low-cost pet vaccination clinic on Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. until noon. The clinic will be held at the Fremont Township Center, 22376 W. Erhart Road, Mundelein.
 
This clinic provides a convenient and affordable way for Lake County residents to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. Donations of pet food, litter and supplies will also be accepted to benefit the Pooch Pantry, a pet food and supply source for needy families.

The vaccination costs are as follows:

For Pets Spayed/Neutered
One-year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag: $20.00
One-year rabies vaccination, tag and distemper: $25.00
Distemper complex only: $10.00
Microchip: $15.00

For Pets Not Spayed/Neutered
One-year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag: $50.00
One-year rabies vaccination, tag and distemper: $55.00
Distemper complex only: $10.00
Microchip: $15.00

Pets will be taken on a first come first served basis. All animals brought to the clinic must be at least four months old. Dogs must be leashed and cats placed in carriers. Only cash will be accepted on site.

The Health Department's Animal Care and Control Program tracks pet vaccinations and rabies tags, investigates animal bites and complaints of nuisance and neglect, as well as impounds stray animals.

For additional information please contact the Lake County Health Department's Animal Care and Control facility at: (847) 949-9925. 

A new dental discount card program is now available that will help Lake County residents save money on their dental service expenses. The NACo Dental Discount Card Program, provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with Careington International Corporation, can help Lake County residents save up to 50 percent on their dental care services, and 20 percent on orthodontic services. Individuals or families may opt to pay for a monthly or yearly membership. The cost for a yearly individual membership is $59 and $69 for families. More than 200 providers in Lake County are participating in this program. Discount card holders will receive significant savings from these providers on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. This plan is not insurance.

To sign up for the Dental Discount Card Program, residents can download a registration form at: www.nacodentalprogram.com.  A list of participating providers and more information is available.

Prescription Drug Card