January 31, 2012

Earthquake in Northern Illinois

Many people in Lake and McHenry Counties felt shaking last night caused by a small earthquake centered near the county line. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is the national agency that monitors earthquakes. Information about last night's earthquake can be found HERE.

Earthquakes are not that common in northern Illinois, but shaking caused by earthquakes in the central U.S. may be felt farther distances from the center because the earth's crust is more rigid here than in California, where stronger earthquakes are more common. Even though northern Illinois earthquakes are not that common, any earthquake is capable of knocking things off shelves and causing minor damage to buildings.

Knowing what to do when an earthquake happens (Drop, Cover, and Hold On!), and PRACTICING those actions with your family, friends, and coworkers could save your life! Earthquakes are just one of many hazards we face. Emergency Preparedness should include reviewing the range of hazards and planning for appropriate action. Check www.AlertLakeCounty.com for more preparedness information.

With redistricting - Where do I vote?

Our County Clerk Willard Helander has an excellent  Voter Power Page that has information to tell you if you are registered to vote, your new precinct numbers, your voting locations for early and election day voting, voting options, candidates filed for election, current representatives and your new congressional, legislative and county board districts.  Just click Voter Power Page.

 Am I receiving property tax exemptions I am entitled to?

Several programs designed to provide property tax relief are available to senior citizens:

• Senior Homestead Exemption - This exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of your property by $4,000 and may be claimed in addition to the Homestead Limited Exemption. It's available to seniors age 65 or older who own and live in the property as their principal residence.
• Senior Citizen's Assessment Freeze - This exemption freezes the assessment on your property if your total household income is $55,000 or less. To qualify, you must also receive the Senior Homestead Exemption and have had the property you are applying for be your principal residence for a period of time that would include the past two January 1st. First-time applicants can obtain forms from the Chief County Assessment Office or your local township assessor's office. This exemption does not freeze your tax rate; it freezes the assessed valuation that appears on your tax bill.
• Senior Citizen's Tax Deferral - This program allows qualified senior citizens to defer part or all of the property taxes on their personal residence. Applicant must be 65 years old as of June 1st of the tax year claimed. Total household income must be $50,000 or less.
• Senior Citizen's Circuit Breaker Grants - Qualified seniors and disabled citizens that qualify can receive help with prescription drugs, license plate discounts and possibly a grant from the Illinois Department of Revenue. More info: http://www.revenue.state.il.us.

For more information on these programs, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/assessor or call your local assessor.

Summer Youth Employment Program accepting applications during the month of February 

Interested youth, ages 14-18 who meet low-income requirements can apply for the Summer Youth Program. The Application period is February 1st  - February 29th (Selection for the program will be based on random lottery). More Information here.

Applications can be found at www.lakecountyjobcenter.com, local township offices, many schools, and at the Waukegan Job Center, 1 N Genesee St., Waukegan

Ranger Cadet Open House 

Young people between the ages of 14 and 21 are invited to attend a free open house to learn how to become a Lake County Forest Preserves Ranger Cadet. The Open House is on Thursday, February 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Operations and Public Safety Building at 19808 W Grand Avenue in Lindenhurst.

The Cadet program provides first-hand knowledge for young men and women interested in the fields of law enforcement or conservation. Ranger Cadets train and work alongside Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police and Community Service Officers to help make the preserves safe for the public and the natural resources they protect. For more information on becoming a Ranger Cadet or about the Open House, please contact Sergeant Mike Anderson at 847-968-3433.

Scholarship Opportunity

Sheriff Mark Curran wants you to know about the Illinois Sheriffs' Association
$500 Scholarship.  The Illinois Sheriffs' Association will be awarding 105 scholarships throughout the State of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2012-2013 academic year. The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the State of Illinois. Application

 www.ilsheriff.org.

Watch County Update: Free Benefits Available to Veterans

There are about 40,000 veterans in Lake County and only 9 percent are taking advantage of free services available to them through the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC). In this edition of County Update, VAC Superintendent Mike Peck talks about these services, and also the need for volunteers. Watch now (12 minutes).

How do we communicate traffic information? 

PASSAGE is an Intelligent Transportation System designed to provide motorists real time traffic congestion information due to crashes and construction events. These events are communicated through the police department's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that is sent directly to the Transportation Management Center (TMC), then communicated back to highway users via www.lakecountypassage.com, PASSAGE Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 1620 AM, and variable message signs. 
 

If you have an iphone or android, you can receive traffic updates directly to your phone. 

Learn more about passage 

If you have questions, call the Transportation Center at 847 377-7000 from 7 am to 7 pm Monday thru Friday.

Is the State of Illinois  holding your unclaimed property?

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is responsible for holding unclaimed property and working to find its owner.

To see if you have unclaimed property being held by the State of Illinois, please click here.

Print 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 receive a card, click here.