Antioch Fireworks Postponed; Other County news

Lake County News--Linda Pedersen

July 3, 2012

Antioch Postpones July 4 Fireworks

All other events to continue as planned

Due to the conditions in the Antioch area being unfavorable, Antioch's Annual Independence Day Fireworks have been postponed indefinitely. Factors determined to be unfavorable in the launch area include exceptionally dry ground cover, close proximity to houses and businesses and extreme hot temperatures combined with moderate winds. The remainder of the events planned for July 4th are still scheduled to occur and can be found on the Village website, antioch.il.gov. "The fireworks in Antioch have always been something special that we all enjoy," stated Mayor Larry Hanson. "However, with the heightened chance of fire outbreaks, the risk to life and property is too great."

Village officials met Monday morning after inspecting the launch area and reviewing the weather reports. "After all alternatives were discussed, existing conditions require postponement of the July 4th fireworks until another safer date can be determined," said Village Administrator Jim Keim.

According to Fire Department representatives, there has been an increase in the number of fires in the area due to the near drought conditions. "With the weather forecasts indicating little appreciable rainfall, the high risk of fire will continue to exist. Our biggest concern is the potential for fires in the neighborhoods surrounding the launch site due to fireworks' debris fallout," stated Fire Chief John Nixon.

In This Issue

Fireworks Postponed

Stay Safe in the Heat This Week!

53/120 Plan Presented

Voter Registration Certificates

Forest Preserve News

Upcoming Community Events

Quick Links

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a fun, safe holiday!

--Linda

Stay Safe in the Heat This Week!

Lake County faces a heat wave this week, with highs in the 90s and approaching 100°. This severe heat can pose a serious risk to health and safety. The public is advised to stay in a cool environment as much as possible, and remain hydrated. Get more hot weather safety tips from the Lake County Health Department. There are cooling centers located at Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offices throughout the state, as well as at Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area. For more information, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154, or visit keepcool.illinois.gov.

Area municipalities are also offering cooling centers for residents who do not have access to air conditioning:

Antioch: The Village recommends residents to call the non-emergency number, 847-395-8585, for access to cooling centers. It also offers a comprehensive heat safety guide on its website.

Lindenhurst: Should any resident need a place to cool off due to high temperatures, visit the Village Hall at 2301 E. Sand Lake Rd. Village Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. Should Village Hall be closed, the Lindenhurst Police Department can make arrangements to have the Cooling Center opened. Contact the Lindenhurst Police Department non-emergency number at 847-356-5400.

Additionally, dry weather across northeastern Illinois has led to increased risk for wildfires. The Lake County Fire Chiefs Association and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency are warning residents to celebrate safely over the Fourth of July holiday by refraining from using sparklers or illegal personal fireworks because they can produce sparks that can start wildfires when conditions are very dry.

53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council

Co-Chairs Present Plan to Tollway Board

Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman and George Ranney, President and CEO of Metropolis Strategies, who served as the co-chairs of the 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council, presented the IL 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council's report to the Tollway Board on June 28. The plan recommends the Tollway Board move forward with the 53/120 Corridor project in Lake County. It calls for a four-lane, limited access, tolled parkway with a 45 mph maximum operating speed that protects environmental concerns while creating a modern parkway. Several people, including elected officials, transportation and environmental representatives, as well as labor representatives spoke in support of the plan at the Tollway Board meeting. The Tollway Board will take the report under consideration, and discuss it at a later date. Learn more about the 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council.

Voter Power: Print Your Certificate of Registration

All registered Lake County voters can now print their Voter's Certificate of Registration card by visiting the County Clerk's web site. In November 2011, every Lake County registered voter received a new Voter's Certificate of Registration. If your card has been misplaced, print your replacement card by visiting LakeVoterPower.info and entering information to confirm voter registration status. Follow the link for "Certificate of Registration" to produce the new card.

News From the Lake County Forest Preserve

Phenology and Photography

Advance your photography skills and knowledge of the natural calendar during this workshop for serious amateur photographers. Join us June 23 from 6-9am at Almond Marsh in the field with a pro-photographer and a staff naturalist as we point out interesting landscapes and the local flora and fauna related to the current season. Anyone 16 and older can visit here for more Info and registration.

Win Free Passes to Outdoor Film Festival at Ryerson Woods

The Friends of Ryerson Woods, a nonprofit organization that partners with the Lake County Forest Preserves to connect people with nature, is currently seeking public feedback to help thembetter understand how to make these nature connections. Please take a few minutes to complete their online survey and get a free pass for two to the Outdoor Film Festival at Ryerson Woods on August 25.

Discovery Museum Participates in Blue Star Program

This summer, the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda is participating in Blue Star Museums to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families. The free admission program runs through Labor Day, September 5, 2012. It is available to active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members bearing a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1, and up to five immediate family members. View a map and list of other participating museums.

Let the Sun Shine

As part of the continuing restoration and management of 11 preserves, the Lake County Forest Preserves is conducting selective removal of invasive and native woody species from Greenbelt, Lyons Woods, Middlefork Savanna, Spring Bluff, Wadsworth Savanna, and the Southern Des Plaines River forest preserves. The goal of these projects is to improve controlled burn management and increase light levels to support oak regeneration, as well as the native shrub and ground-layer plants. Read more.

Fort Hill Trail Tunnel Now Open

The Fort Hill Trail tunnel and Gilmer Road Trail parking lot are now open. Some minor work remains, but will not interrupt use of the parking lot. The tunnel offers trail users a safe connection between Lakewoodand Ray Lake. Preserve trails at Ray Lake are also now open to equestrians. There is no equestrian parking at Ray Lake. The Fort Hill Trail is open to hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. View trail map.

Upcoming Community Events

Antioch 4th of July Celebration

NOTE: Fireworks have been postponed. Check antioch.il.gov for updates.

This 4th of July go to Antioch for an old fashion hometown Independence Day Celebration, "Symbols of a Free Nation." The day will kick off with the annual 5K Run for Freedom beginning at 8 a.m. ending on Main St. to observe the parade at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the parade at Williams Park is the Children's Fun Fair with live music from 4 to dusk. For event applications and further information go to www.antioch.il.gov or call 847-395-2160.

Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival

Come enjoy the great tastes at Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival! This four day festival includes delicious food, a carnival in full swing and live entertainment. Located behind the east side shops of Main Street near the band shell, the Taste of Summer promises fun for all ages. Click here for a complete Entertainment Schedule! Come early and find some of the best shopping bargains of the year at Antioch's 4 Day Sidewalk Sale held on the sidewalks of downtown Antioch during the Taste!

NEW Taste Hours are:

Thursday, July 19, 4-10 p.m.

Friday, July 20, 4-11 p.m.

Saturday, July 21, noon-11 p.m.

Sunday, July 22, noon-6 p.m.

Click HERE to view the 2012 Taste Entertainment Schedule.

ANTIOCH IDOL At Antioch's Taste of Summer

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a competition for vocally talented students between the ages of 12-21. $3500 in scholarship awards toward ANY TYPE of future education are up for grabs! Students in Illinois Counties Lake and McHenry and Wisconsin Counties Walworth, Kenosha and Racine are eligible to enter. To register, please click here and submit your registration, performance release and signatures online through the Antioch Chamber website. We hope to hear you there!

Thursdays in July Farmers Markets & Concerts

Each Thursday in Downtown Antioch, you'll enjoy a Farmers Market from 3-7 pm located at the intersection of Main Street and Old Depot Street. Stop by and find a fresh array of fruits, vegetables and bakery goods!

Thursday Evening Concerts Under the Stars take place at 7:30 pm at the Antioch Bandshell each week. Concerts are free for the enjoyment of our community!

Concert Schedule:

July 5: Fast Times - (High Energy 80's)

July 12: Kevin Purcell and the Night Burners (R&B)

July 19: Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band - Antioch's Taste of Summer!

July 26: The August (Country)

SWALCO Electronics Recycling Collection

July 21, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Lindenhurst Village Hall, 2301 E. Sand Lake Rd.

List of eligible items on SWALCO website

Chillin' Fun in July with Chillin's on the Chain's

"What's on My Seat Contest"

Enjoy the month of July visiting the 53 Adirondack chairs that create Antioch's Chillin' on the Chain Charity Public Art Program. Print out your July "What's on my Seat" Contest Form and visit all 53 Chairs to find your answers. Return your completed entry form by 7/31/12 for a chance to win prizes! Bring your entry form to the Antioch Chamber Office located at 882 Main Street, our Foyer is always open for your convenience. Click here for Contest Form.

Cross-Town Classic Softball Tournament

August 19, 10 a.m., in Lake Villa. Save the date! Details to follow soon.

Linda Pedersen, District 1 Representative

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (847)445-5504 (cell) or email me at lpedersen@lakecountyil.gov.

Sincerely,

Linda Pedersen
Lake County Board, District 1 Representative