May 26, 2011

Lake County News

Linda Pedersen Lake County Board Member and Forest Preserve Commissioner

Linda Pedersen, District 1 Representative

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at  (847)445-5504(cell) .  
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Linda Pedersen
Lake County Board
District 1 Representative
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ConstructionLake Avenue to be Closed at IL/WI State Line for 78 Days

 

 

The Lake County Division of Transportation will close Lake Avenue, (Lake County

Route V-51), at the Illinois/Wisconsin State Line connection to 280th Avenue in Kenosha County for 78 days starting Monday, June 6, 2011.  

 

Lake Avenue is scheduled to reopen to thru traffic on Monday, August 22, 2011. The closure is necessary to reconstruct the east/west section of Lake Avenue that connects Lake Avenue to 280th Avenue, as part of the Lake Avenue resurfacing, and bridge rehabilitation project.

 

Traffic will be allowed from Illinois Route 173 to the work site, also on 280th Avenue to the work site in Kenosha County. The work area will be closed to all traffic.

 

The signed detour route for the Lake Avenue will be Illinois Route 173, to Tiffany Road, to

Sylvan Woods Road, to Trevor Road/Rock Lake Road, to 122nd Street, to 280th Street. A map of the detour route is attached.

 
 

The Wisconsin DOT has notified us of their planned closure of the southbound Russell Rd exit ramp as part of their I-94 reconstruction project.Detour

 

The  I-94 EAST (SB) exit ramp to Russell Rd is scheduled to close for 30 days beginning late Tuesday night, May 31st.

 

As a reminder the detour route is to exit I-94 EAST (SB) at WIS 165 and use the West Frontage Rd to access Russell Rd.

 

 
 

Property Taxes: 1st Installment Due Date June 6

 

Property owners have received their bills and now it's time to make the first payment.  The first installment of your property taxes is due Monday, June 6.

 

To avoid late penalties, payments must be received or U.S. postmarked by June 6. Per Illinois Statute, any payment received after the due date must include a 1.5% monthly penalty. 


 

Payment Option

Instructions

U.S. Mail

18 N. County Street

Waukegan, IL 60085

On-line by credit card or e-check

www.lakecountyil.gov/treasurer

A processing fee will be charged by the processing company.

 

In person at most Lake County banks

Must bring original bill or a copy of the bill

 

Drop box

Must pay by check and include tax bill stub in sealed envelope.

Locations:

  • 18 N. County Street, Waukegan
  • Libertyville campus off Winchester Road, a half block west of Milwaukee Avenue

Look for "Collectors Drop Box" sign.

 


 

 

Motorola Mobility Chooses Lake County  

 

After a national search of possible locations for corporate headquarters, Motorola Mobility made the decision to stay in Libertyville, preserving the 3,000 jobs that are currently here and ensuring new employment growth in the future. CEO Sanjay Jha and Governor Pat Quinn jointly announced the decision at the company's headquarters on U. S. Route 45 on Friday, May 6.

 

"The decision to locate Motorola Mobility's corporate headquarters in Libertyville highlights our long-standing commitment to the State of Illinois, " Jha said. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for his leadership and I appreciate our partnership with the state of Illinois."

 

An important factor in the company's decision was the State's incentive package for

 

StolMotoroSmallMotorola Mobility, which includes $100 million in tax credits over the next 10 years, that can be applied to either the company's annual withholding tax liability or its annual corporate income tax liability. In addition, the State of Illinois provided the company with training grants and grant funds through its Large Business Development Program. 

  

The tax credits are provided through the EDGE program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). EDGE is designed as an incentive to retain or attract businesses to locate in Illinois. The State approved legislation, signed into law by Governor Quinn on Friday at Motorola, that broadened the EDGE program.

 

"Thanks to this partnership, Motorola will be designing state-of-the-art communication devices right here in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "My administration is committed to encouraging innovation - like that taking place at Motorola - and creating the high-tech, high-paying jobs that are moving our state's economy forward."

 

David Stolman, Lake County Board Chairman, noted that the company's impact on the local economy goes far beyond the 3,000 people employed here. "There is a multiplier effect from these jobs on Lake County's restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses supported by these employees and their families," Stolman said. "This is a great day for Lake County."

 

Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler echoed these sentiments. "Motorola has been a great Libertyville company for many years, and we are very excited that the Mobility spin-off, led by Sanjay Jha, will continue to design its innovative products right here," Weppler said.

 

Motorola Mobility, Inc. is one of two spin-offs from Motorola, Inc., formed officially in January 2011 when the company agreed to separate into two separate corporate entities. The other spin-off, Motorola Solutions, is headquartered in Schaumburg

 

 


 

Feedback sought on new color-coded trail sign system

 

Check out the new color-coded trail signs at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth and share your preserve experience with us. Trail users and preserve visitors are invited to provide feedback about the new trail signs via email to [email protected] or through a brief online survey. Survey ends June 27.

The new wayfinding system offers intuitive navigation of preserve trails using color-coded trail markers and signs. The system is designed to improve safety and aid in reporting preserve and trail maintenance needs. 

 

A new trail map is also available.

 

 

Health Department Provides Beach Advisory Information Online

 

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lake County beachgoers can access daily information on Lake Michigan beach advisories and swim bans through the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center's Web site by visiting: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/want/Pages/BeachAdvisory.aspx

 

"A beach may close temporarily due to high bacteria counts," said the Health Department's Executive Director Irene Pierce. "High bacteria counts can be caused by stormwater runoff, sewage overflow, nearby septic failure and large quantities of droppings from geese or seagulls. While beach closings in Lake County are a relatively infrequent occurrence, it is still best to check before you head to your favorite beach."

 

Throughout the summer, the Health Department's Environmental Services samples 12 beaches along Lake Michigan four days per week.  The web page is updated daily by 10 a.m. These beaches include:

North Point Marina Beach                              Winthrop Harbor

Illinois Beach State Park North Beach             Zion

Illinois Beach State Park South Beach             Zion

Illinois Beach State Park Resort Beach            Zion

Waukegan North Beach                                  Waukegan

Waukegan South Beach                                  Waukegan

Lake Bluff Dog Beach                                     Lake Bluff

Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach                                Lake Bluff

Forest Park Beach                                          Lake Forest

Moraine Dog Beach                                       Highland Park

Park Avenue Beach                                        Highland Park

Rosewood Beach                                           Highland Park

 

 The Health Department tests the water samples for E. coli bacteria, which are found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals.  While not all strains of E. coli are the same, certain strains can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations. E. coli also serves as an indicator that other potentially harmful pathogens may be present.  If water samples come back high for E. coli (235 E. coli/100 ml), the beach's manager is notified and a sign is posted indicating the beach closure. In addition, because heavy rain tends to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water, the Health Department advises that persons avoid swimming for 48 hours after a large rain event.

 

Swimming related illnesses are typically minor.  The most common illness is gastroenteritis, which causes flu-like symptoms that typically develop 1-2 days after exposure.  Other minor illnesses include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. Skin parasites such as ringworm and schistosomiasis (swimmers itch) can be transmitted in areas of water degradation.  Although there are many serious illnesses transmitted through water, swimmers are rarely exposed to these more serious diseases in the United States.  

 

In addition to monitoring swimming beaches along Lake Michigan in Lake County, the

Health Department's Lakes Management Unit also monitors licensed beaches on inland lakes and the Chain O'Lakes. For more information on beach monitoring, please call the Lakes Management Unit at: (847) 377-8030.

 

 

Plan Your Summer Travels with Great Attractions - Right Here in Lake County

 

Summer is around the corner, and if you're looking for some fun family activities in Lake County, there are lots of things to choose from. In this 13 minute video, County Board Member Aaron Lawlor, along with Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau President Maureen Riedy share great information on natural spaces and fun places in Lake County, as well as where to get information, deals, and much more.  Watch Now

 

 

Torch Run to Benefit Special Olympics

June 5th thru June 10th

 

The Lake County Sheriff's Office participates every year in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics IL. It is the single largest year-round fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics IL. This annual intra-state relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics IL.

 

Approximately 3,000 officers representing every branch of law enforcement across the state will carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different routes to its final destination−the opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games in Normal, IL in June.

Special4

 

 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011 and anyone can be a part of this great event. The run will commence on Sunday, June 5 thru June 10, 2011.

 

To be part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run call Deputy Dave McNichol at the Lake County Sheriff's Office 847-757-6100 or e-mail him at [email protected] or contact Special Olympics IL State Headquarters at 1-800-394-0562.

 

Special Olympics IL is a not-for-profit organization offering year round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 6,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Neither athletes nor their families are ever charged to compete in Special Olympics. If you are a fan of respect, fun, courage, joy, and dignity, you are a fan of Special Olympics.


 
 

Help plan for moving the Lake County Discovery Museum

  

MuseumThe Lake County Forest Preserves are consolidating offices and relocating the Lake County Discovery Museum from Wauconda to a more centralized site in Libertyville. With twice the exhibit space of its current building, the new location will allow the museum to display more of its artifacts and special exhibits and to better protect its historic collections. 

 

Whether you've attended the museum before or are new to the area, we invite you to share your thoughts and ideas with us as we prepare to move and expand the museum's exhibit space. Please select one of the two brief surveys:

 

I have visited the Lake County Discovery Museum before

 

I have not been to the Lake County Discovery Museum

 

If you have any questions regarding relocation of the Museum or the surveys, please contact Katherine Hamilton Smith, Director of Cultural Resources, at 847-968-3380 or via email at [email protected].

 

 

Discovery Museum participates in Blue Star Museums program

Offers free admission to military personnel and their families

 

This summer the Lake County Discovery Museum is participating in Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America, to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families. These include children's museums, fine art museums, history and science museums, and nature centers.  

The free admission program runs through Labor Day, September 5, 2011, and is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members, and up to five immediate family members. Present your ID card at the Lake County Discovery Museum front desk to receive free admission.

 

The museum is located on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road and east of Wauconda in Lakewood Forest Preserve. Gallery hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum is currently featuring the special exhibition - Civil War High Tech through August 21. Military families can the Discovery Museum web page for information to help plan their free visit.

To find a map and list of other participating museums, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

 

About the Lake County Discovery Museum

The Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda provides visitors with hands-on exhibits and educational programs. The nationally accredited museum also is home to the nation's largest collection of picture postcards. The museum is part of the Lake County Forest Preserve District, which manages more than 29,200 acres of land and offers innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages.

 

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a national, non-partisan, non-profit network of military families from all ranks and services including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life with civilian community and leaders. For more information, please visit www.BlueStarFam.org.

 

About the National Endowment for the Arts

The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts - both new and established - bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest annual national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit www.arts.gov.

 

 

Health Department Offers Low-cost Pet Vaccination Clinic for Pets of Seniors

 

Saturday, June 11 from 9:00am until noon

Mundelein Senior Center

 

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center's Animal Care and Control Program and the Mundelein Senior Center will offer a low-cost pet vaccination clinic especially for the pets of seniors age 55 and older. The clinic will be held on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Mundelein Senior Center, 1200 Regent Drive in Mundelein.

 

This clinic provides a convenient and affordable way for Lake County seniors to keep their pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. Donations of pet food, litter and supplies will also be accepted at this clinic to benefit The Pooch Pantry, a pet food and supply source for needy families.

 

Pets of senior citizens (age 55 and older) will receive a free rabies vaccination at the clinic, but purchase of the rabies tag is required at the time of vaccination. Additional vaccines, tags and microchip costs are as follows:

 PetVaccinations

For Pets Spayed/Neutered

One-year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag: $10.00

One-year rabies vaccination, tag and distemper: $20.00

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: $60.00

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. Proof of spay/neuter may be required.

 

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 facility at: (847) 949-9925.
 
 

FlagPole2011 July 4th Centennial Celebration

Great Lakes Naval Station

Celebrate our Nation's Independence and the Naval Station's 100th Birthday in a "BIG" Way!

 

You are invited to the Naval Station Great Lakes' July 4th Centennial Celebration on Ross Field from July 2nd - 4th. Enjoy three full days of "fire-cracking" festival fun at one of the biggest 4th of July Celebrations in the region!

 

Each day, the celebration will include three stages of exciting live music and family entertainment, a bingo tent with thousands of dollars worth of prizes, a craft fair with handmade items, the Gridiron Experience: interactive football activities and a "Kicks for Cash" competition, a paintball arena, the Kid's Zone with plenty to do for the little patriots, roving entertainment and costumed characters, thrilling carnival rides/games, delicious festival food and beverage booths-available from local area vendors, and lots and lots more!

 

On Sat., July 2nd, catch special performances by "The United States Army Soldier Show" and the memorable Great Lakes Navy Band! Plus, don't miss the action-packed "Battle at Great Lakes" amateur boxing event. Also on this day, the Naval Station Great Lakes will attempt to break a world record for the most plastic bottles recycled in an eight hour period.

 

On Sun., July 3rd, the celebration will kick off with the Firecracker 5K Run at 9:30 a.m. (base course). It is open to both the general public and base personnel. July 3rd continues with a fantastic music line up on the main stage, featuring "Pop Evil" and headliner, "Saving Abel."

 

On Mon., July 4th, enjoy musical tributes to great artists like Johnny Cash, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin with the following bands: "Junes Got the Cash," "Brit Beat" and "Kashmir."

 Fireworks

Of course, this long time running celebration is not complete until the amazing fireworks show lights up Ross Field! Firework displays will take place this year on both July 3rd and 4th, with "never before" special effects attempted during the show on the 4th!

 

Join us as we celebrate our freedom, patriotism, and the Naval Station Great Lakes' 100th birthday at this FREE, fun-for-all-ages Centennial Celebration from July 2nd - 4th. For full details, go to www.facebook.com/GreatLakes4thofJuly.

 
Dental Discount Card Program

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 

   Prescription Drug Card
 
County residents can take advantage of a prescription drug discount card program.  The free card that is accepted at most pharmacies offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.  This is intended for people without prescription coverage or on medicines not covered by your plan.  The card may also be used where accepted to fill prescriptions for pets. To print a card, click here
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