FLOOD LEVELS TO INCREASE ON THE FOX, CHAIN
Current Conditions
Significant flooding continues in Lake County from the Chain O'Lakes and Des Plaines River. The Des Plaines at Lincolnshire saw major flood levels causing structural damage and evacuations in this area. Water has crested, or is cresting (which means that the water is at the highest level and will begin to recede) on the Des Plaines River and North Branch of the Chicago River in the eastern portion of Lake County. Meanwhile, water levels on the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes continue to rise. Cresting on the Chain O'Lakes and Fox is expected early next week.
Minimal precipitation is forecast over the next few days.

Damage Assessments
Lake County continues to provide assistance and coordinate information to communities impacted by the recent flooding. Lake County's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working with the municipalities and townships to capture a countywide, preliminary damage assessment to include flood and storm damage and associated costs. Lake County will then report this information to Illinois EMA. Property owners should report damage to their local municipality or to Lake County Planning, Building, and Development at 847-377-2081.

Chain O'Lakes/Fox River
River and lake stages on the Fox River are expected to rise as upstream tributaries continue to drain into the main river systems. Officials are closely monitoring the situation. 

Fox River at New Munster, WI will start cresting on Saturday. 

The Fox River in Antioch Township above the Chain O'Lakes will continue to rise slowly over the next few days. There is high concern for road and structural flooding. Larson and Park streets are now impassable. Sandbagging efforts will continue. 

 
Chain O'Lakes is expected to rise approximately another half of a foot to one foot which would exceed the 2008 crested level. Water levels will remain near crest-level for about a week with an anticipated "slow fall" to normal levels. 

Fox River downstream from the Chain is major concern with road impacts and possible residential flooding at and south of Rawson Bridge Road. Rawson Bridge Road is closed.

Traffic/Road Conditions
Some roads across the county remain closed. The public can get up-to-date traffic information at www.lakecountypassage.com, or AM1620. You can also follow PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE for current road conditions.

Detention Basins
Detention basins throughout the county are at capacity and can be dangerous. Do not attempt to clear inlets or outlets, and stay away from the water. Call your municipality or township if you are having a flooding issue due to an overtopped basin.

Sandbag Information
Lake County has distributed about 250,00 sandbags to impacted communities and continues to provide sandbags to impacted areas. Residents in need of sandbags should contact their municipality or township directly. The public can visit www.lakecountyil.gov for contact information.

Safety Information
The recent rains in Lake County have brought about incidents of flooding and possible sewer back-ups in a number of areas. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center recommends a number of steps to minimize health hazards for residents who have experienced flooding in or around their homes.
Safety Tips
If you have questions or concerns, call Environmental Health Services of the Lake County Health Department at: 847.377-8020.
 

 

DATE - Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale: Saturday, May 11 (One Day Only)
Native Plant Sale: May 11 and May 12

 

TIME - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

LOCATION - Independence Grove, North Bay Pavilion
16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville

 

Prepare for Lake County's largest job fair by attending Jobseeker Events in Grayslake on May 8. Key topics will include how to use Linked In and what employers are seeking in candidates. Bring a resume for review.

Mini Job Fair, April 23
Attend the Mini Job Fair at the College of Lake County, Grayslake campus (Brandel court) on April 23 from 10:30 am to 1pm. Call 847.543.2059 for more information.

Monthly Veteran's Workshop, April 24
Please join us for a Goal Setting workshop for military veterans at the Lake County Job Center.

View the monthly schedule of events at the Lake County Job Center. Research career trends, create a resume or cover letter, practice interviewing, and network with other job seekers at our sites throughout the month!
http://www.lakecountyjobcenter.com/Calendar 

  

 

Applications for the 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption have been mailed, and it requires an annual renewal. To assist with the application, the Chief County Assessment Office and the Lake County Township Assessors Association will hold Senior Freeze outreach sessions in April and May.

 

Residents will receive assistance in completing their 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Applications for taxes payable in 2014; as well as, service taxpayer needs on other homestead exemptions offered. Staff members will be working one on one with residents to complete any necessary exemption forms.  

 
For HOAs and property owners responsible maintaining subdivision stormwater management detention ponds, drainage swales, wetlands and natural areas. Topics include typical maintenance activities, budgeting for maintenance, legal responsibilities, and an HOA case study. New this year: Vendor exhibit of companies who design, install, and maintain stormwater management systems.
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Vendor exhibit starts at 6 p.m.
Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville
Workshop details
To RSVP
 

 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) partners with member communities to provide convenient drop-off events for residents of Lake County to properly dispose of unwanted materials. 

 

Household Chemical Waste Collection Event 

Antioch Public Works Department - click here for flyer
796 Holbek Dr./Depot Road
Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

More Information

 

Electronics Collection Event

Warren Township (Document Shredding & Electronics Collection)
17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

More Information  

 

New Lake County Health Department Executive Director Named
Antonio "Tony" Beltran will begin working May 6, 2013 as the new executive director for the Health Department, replacing Irene T. Pierce, who retired in March after serving as executive director for five years. He brings not only a master's degree in business administration, but also a wealth of experience in public health, including managing community health centers, developing financially sustainable programs and creating accountability standards. Learn More.

Healthy Lake County
Do you know what to do if you encounter a coyote? Have you heard about the Express Clinic to quickly screen for sexually transmitted infections? In less than five minutes you can learn about these topics and more in this month's video.  

 

Upcoming Pet Vaccination Clinic
Low-cost pet vaccination clinics provide a convenient and affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. Pets are taken on a first come first served basis. All animals brought to a clinic must be at least four months old. Dogs must be leashed and cats placed in carriers. Only cash will be accepted on site. For more information, call: 847.949.9925.   

 

Lindenhurst Police Department Vaccination Clinic
2301 E. Sand Lake Rd., Lindenhurst,
847-356-5400
April 20, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.  

 

Earth Day ECO FAIR

April 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come join us for Eco-Fun for the Whole Family!
You'll learn about Eco Friendly practices as you visit our many Eco-Friendly Vendors. Hosted at the Antioch Elementary School Gym, located at 817 N. Main Street in Downtown Antioch.

More Information

 

Antioch's Art Crawl

May 4
Enjoy the artistic crawl throughout our downtown as you browse through the talents of Antioch's students. Artist talents on display along with musical interludes. Sponsored by District #34 Schools, Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, Village of Antioch and the Antioch Chamber. Call 847-395-2233 for info.

  

Antioch Garden Club Perennial Sale

May 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
This is the Antioch Garden Club Annual Perennial Sale. Members will be offering locally-grown plants and garden-related items for the early planting season. Home-made baked goods will also be available for purchase.

The proceeds of this Perennial Sale fund plant purchases for 4 Antioch public gardens, horticulture scholarships, and trees for Arbor Day plantings in Antioch's parks.

Golf Outing & Helicopter Drop-Antioch Chamber

May 15, 1 - 8 p.m. 
Register Online
Join Antioch's Business Community for our annual Chamber Golf Outing on Wednesday, May 15. You'll enjoy a boxed lunch, Golf with Cart, Networking, Fun, and a Dinner Reception. Plus, enjoy free drinks on the course (sponsored by Miles Family Dental).

We will host a Helicopter Ball Drop at 1 p.m., only 100 chances are available. The 3 balls that land closest to the pin will be winners of $500, $300, and $200. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to try to win a one year car lease with our Hole in One Opportunity. All Golfers get a free chance to win a large screen TV.
Golf Invitation
Golf Sign-up Form  

 

 New Executive Director of the Forest Preserve
The Lake County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners named a new executive director to lead the district. Following an extensive recruitment and selection process, the board approved a contract with Alex Ty Kovach, of Akeley, Minn., to serve as the district's next executive director, effective June 12.
Kovach succeeds Tom Hahn who retired March 29 after 14 years of service, nine in the top position. Deputy Executive Director Andy Kimmel will serve as interim executive director until Kovach officially begins work. 

More Information

Lake County Forest Preserve Progress Report 2012
Thanks to your support, we were able to protect some of Lake County's most important natural areas, maintain over 168 miles of trails, present award-winning educational and cultural programs, events and exhibits, and restore many acres of habitat for Lake County's native plants and animals. This year's update is in the form of an infographic and can be viewed here.

Earth Week April 20-26
A week of free nature programs in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Celebrate spring, learn about ecology, join a nature walk or lend a hand to help save the planet by joining a special volunteer workday. All programs are FREE. All ages. No registration required. Visit our website at www.LCFPD.org  

Adlai E. Stevenson Home Tours Begin
Learn more about this Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations as you tour his restored family home on Sunday, May 5. Tour times are 11 am-12 p.m., 1-2 p.m. & 2:30-3:30 p.m.

2013 Summer Camp Registration
Summer camp registration is available. Visit www.LCFPD.org for details or to register or contact the District's General Offices at 847-367-6640.

The Lake County Forest Preserve District on the Web
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LCFPD 
Nature Blog www.LakeCountyNature.com  
History blog www.LakeCountyHistory.blogspot.com   
Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LCFPD  
Share an image of your visit to a Lake County Forest Preserve via Flickr at www.Flickr.com/groups/LCFPD/