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Lake County News
Linda Pedersen Lake County Board Member and Forest Preserve Commissioner |
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| Linda Pedersen, District 1 Representative | |
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (847)445-5504(cell) .
If you know others that would like the updates, please forward this on.
If you have been forwarded this, I would like to be able to automatically send these updates to you. Please click join our mailing list above. My email is lpedersen@lakecountyil.gov
Sincerely,
Linda Pedersen
Lake County Board
District 1 Representative |
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Dutch Gap Area Master Plan Update
Master Plan - Public Open House - October 6, 2011 - 3pm-6pm
The Dutch Gap Area Master Plan - a coordinated planning process for Dutch Gap, Ethel's Woods, Pine Dunes, Prairie Stream and Raven Glen Forest Preserves.
A public Open House is scheduled for October 6, 2011 at Pine Dunes Forest Preserve at 17907 W. Edwards Road. The public is welcome to attend at any time between 3:00 - 6:30 PM. The purpose of the Open House is to receive and discuss possible ideas for recreation improvements and natural resource restoration with the public. The District is at the beginning of the master plan process and at this time has not yet developed a program or concept designs.
- Attendees will be able to tour the former McClure equestrian property including the converted arena and stable home.
- Tell us Your Stories- If you have an interesting story about the forest preserves in this area, the District's Lake County Discovery Museum historians will be conducting and recording short interviews at the Open House in order to learn more about the cultural and natural history of the Dutch Gap Canal - North Mill Creek area.
If you are unable to attend yet would like to ask questions or provide input, you may contact Susan Hall at our Planning, Conservation and Development Department at (847) 968-3270 or shall@LCFPD.org. Please visit www.LCFPD.org/masterplan for more information. | |
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Lake County DOT Presents Facts around Selected Realignment of US Rte 45
There has been increased public interest in a proposed project to realign U.S. Route 45 at Millburn Road and Grass Lake Road. It's important for the public to have accurate information, rather than relying on hearsay and innuendo. Here are the facts around this project:
The section of U.S. Route 45 near Lindenhurst, Historic Milburn, and Old Mill Creek is one of Lake County's worst congestion trouble spots, hence the nickname "the Millburn Strangler." Back in 2005 and 2006, when County and State leaders established our list of priority road projects with the public's input, this was at the top of the list of priorities. Now, several years later, the project is moving forward and a much needed improvement is coming, but many people are questioning why the selected realignment of US Rte 45 was chosen over the other possible alternatives.
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Federal Highway Administration are the transportation agencies involved in this project, and since US Rte 45 is an IDOT route, it must adhere to a strict federal process. While LCDOT is the lead in managing the project, all three agencies were part of the selection process and agreed that the western alternative with the realignment is the best possible solution. Why?
There are numerous factors that went into making this selection. Over the last three years, we went through an extensive review process that included federally regulated environmental studies, traffic engineering studies, public input, and many other components. Based on all of this data, and driven by facts, we selected the west realignment option because it is the best solution. The primary reasons are:
· It provides the best transportation benefit/improvement in regard to safety and travel times. It will result in 18% less total delay than the other alternatives, 15% lower total travel time within the project network, and 4% fewer vehicle stops.
· It has the greatest potential for pedestrian/bicycle accommodations, and improved safety.
· It does not adversely impact the Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFPD)/McDonald Woods. LCFPD is in support of this improvement because a western route will provide an opportunity for trail connectivity north to Ethel's Woods/Raven Glen Forest Preserves. In addition, the LCFPD has concurred that there are no adverse impacts to McDonalds Woods due to the highway corridor being reserved since their resolution of July 7, 1994
· The western option is also preferred over the east option because the east realignment would bisect the Milburn historic district and result in a significant road curve because of wetland considerations, and other environmental concerns
LCDOT takes the issue of safety very seriously, and we consider safety in everything we do. So, for some people to allege that we are putting children at risk because of the proximity to Milburn West School simply is not factual. The road will be a safe distance from the school, as it is now.
One thing we all seem to agree on is that Lake County motorists NEED this improvement. While not everyone from the public agrees on the final selection, the team ultimately came to its decision based on multiple factors and study data. We focused on fact-based information, used our professional experience and expertise in the area of transportation planning and engineering, and selected the best solution that will provide the best overall public benefit.
| | Selected Realignment of US Rt. 45 Frequently Asked Questions |
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Lake County Board Considers Awarding Winchester House Contract to Health Dimensions Group
Following an exhaustive process of reviewing proposals from long-term nursing care providers and conducting visits and interviews, a Lake County panel of healthcare professionals and county personnel has recommended Health Dimensions Group (HDG) as the most qualified company to manage day-to-day operations at Winchester House - a skilled nursing facility owned and operated by Lake County.
The panel has submitted its recommendation to contract with Minneapolis-based HDG to the county board. A presentation outlining this recommendation will be discussed at a county board committee meeting next week. If approved, the County would retain ownership and oversight of the facility.
County Board Chairman David Stolman said, "Winchester House has been providing excellent care to Lake County residents for more than 150 years, and the focus of this proposed change is to preserve that mission for years to come. In order to do that, we have to consider and evaluate other options so that Winchester House can be financially self-sustaining." Stolman added, "HDG has extensive experience with transitioning county facilities to HDG managed facilities and has a proven track record of improving the quality of care at those facilities. Additionally, HDG has a history of retaining current employees during these transitions."
This spring, following a recommendation from the Winchester House Advisory Board, the County issued an invitation for bids from nursing home operators and two companies responded - HDG and Prism Healthcare. The panel reviewed HDG's quality of care surveys, performance records, financial records, and conducted announced and unannounced visits and interviews. The panel recommended HDG because of its broad experience operating 22 skilled nursing facilities in four states, and its experience acquiring and operating county skilled nursing facilities with a larger Medicaid population. (Five facilities were previously operated by counties.) The panel was also impressed with HDG's performance outcomes and high satisfaction ratings from residents and families.
Ric Olson, senior living professional and advisory board chair said, "We visited five HDG locations. These site visits provided assurance that HDG will partner with the Lake County Board to not only sustain the mission of Winchester House, but to actively position it to thrive, despite a very challenging senior living environment. It is evident that HDG has a passion for serving seniors and making a difference each and every day."
About four years ago, the county board approved moving forward with constructing a new facility because the current facility is more than 40 years old and in need of repair, which would be very costly. As part of that process, the county board established the advisory board to evaluate the facility's operations, finances, market position, and other factors. The advisory board consists of individuals with healthcare and financial expertise, and two members of the County Board.
Extensive financial analysis showed the current financial model was not sustainable, primarily due to cuts in Medicare and Medicaid, and higher personnel costs from traditional government employee benefits, and employee wages. Winchester House is partially funded by a property tax levy (approved by voters in 1982), reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid, and private payments from residents. Therefore, the advisory board recommended exploring other management options in order to control costs and preserve the mission of Winchester House.
Michael Knight, Winchester House Advisory Board member, and Certified Financial PlannerŪ said, "Winchester House is a crucial safety net for the vulnerable elderly and disabled people of Lake County. The Lake County Board approved building a much-needed new facility, but before a new facility can be built, we must find better way to manage the costs of operating a skilled nursing facility. I believe that we have found a firm that will bring expertise and professional management, enable us to fulfill our priorities of preserving the legacy of Winchester House, and will continue to treat employees with the respect that they deserve. Additionally, by providing a sustainable cost structure, this will enable us to build a new Winchester House."
The county board is expected to vote on the issue at its October meeting.
Read Fact Sheet | |
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Board Adopts a New Streamlined Enforcement Process for Nuisance Violations
The Lake County Board adopted a new ordinance that aims to speed up code compliance and nuisance violations in the unincorporated area of the county, as well as reduce the cost to government for code enforcement. The Administrative Adjudication Ordinance addresses minor code violations such as junk, debris, and animal control. Through this new process, violators will be issued a ticket, or violation notice and given 15 days to comply. If necessary, it will go to an administrative hearing where a hearing officer will issue a ruling. Previously, these violations had to go through the circuit court, taking 333 days (on average) to be resolved. The new process is expected to take between a month and 6 weeks for minor violations, while more complex cases may still be handled in circuit court.
The Board also created a new enforcement category called "chronic nuisances," which allows the County additional remedies to address repeat nuisance violations. For questions, contact Planning Building and Development at 847-377-2600. | |
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County Update: Economic Development
County Board Chairman David Stolman and Steve Anderson, CEO/President of Lake County Partners, focus on economic development in Lake County, and strategies underway to attract and retain businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy in this video. Watch now | |
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Rare Ansel Adams photos coming to Discovery Museum
A new national touring exhibition featuring works by celebrated nature photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984) runs September 17 through January 8, 2012 at the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda.
The Classic Images: Photography by Ansel Adams exhibition presents a rare portfolio of 70 photographs hand-printed by the artist, and selected by him to represent the best of his life's work. The exhibit is sponsored by the Daily Herald.
For more information or to download discount admission coupons, click here or call 847-968-3400.
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Experience fun on the farm at Bonner Country Fair
Sunday, October 2 from Noon to 4pm
Enjoy farm animals, wagon rides, crafts and live entertainment at the Bonner Farm Country Fair, Sunday, October 2, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lake County Forest Preserves' Bonner Heritage Farm in Lindenhurst.
Admission is $3 per person. Children three and under are free. Bring a picnic. The parking area to Bonner Heritage Farm is located on Country Place, off of Sand Lake Road, just west of Route 45. | |
The entrance to the Bonner Heritage Farm is located on Country Place, just north of Sand Lake Road in Lindenhurst. |
Lake County Discovery Museum News Free Senior Admission - The entire month of October admission to the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda is free to seniors.
Quilt Treasures exhibition
This popular exhibition, featuring quilts from the museum's historic collections, continues through September 25. | |
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Susanna Farms 
Kick-off the fall pumpkin season starting September 17th at Susanna Farms located at 24153 West Townline Road in Lake Villa.
Four-generations of Heffernans who own and operate the working farm welcome guests to step back in time and share their love of the land and home-spun sense of adventure. Susanna Farms is pleased to open in September so families can come enjoy more days of fun on the farm.
Children of all ages are invited to hone their orienteering skills at the farm's five acre, ten-foot tall corn maze or children's mini-maze, take a 30-minute hayride through the fields, channel their inner creativity while painting a totem pole, visit with the horses, pigs, goats, lambs,  Scottish Highland cattle and chickens, take in the farm equipment display, visit the frog pond, try their luck at the bean bag toss or bozo buckets and cap it all with a photo opportunity at one of the many photo settings. Everyone will especially enjoy seeing Little Red, the new Scottish Highland calf born on August 7th.
Mums, decorative cabbage plants, bundles of corn stocks as well as additional ornamental plants, decorations and of course pumpkins of every size and shape are available for purchase. And the Susanna Farms Snack Shack is always open for brats, hotdogs, burgers and fall sweet treats.
School groups, scout troops, birthday party and private party rates available. Susanna Farms works with each group to create a day of fun filled activities sure to please everyone. Check out the website for special haunted weekend events. Educational material is based on the needs of the individual group. Additional educational information is placed throughout the grounds to help all visitors to the farm learn more about the history of Susanna Farms and about farming in general.
WHEN: Open daily September 17 - October 30 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Where: 24153 West Townline Road, Lake Villa IL; Townline Road is 3 miles north of Rte 132, Grand Avenue, and Rte 83.
MORE INFO: for more information, hours of operation and directions, visit www.susannafarms.com or call 847-838-0798. | |
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