Hike Lake County Challenge, Deeds scam alert, Adopt A Highway, and More
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you, friends, neighbors and families well.
Although it seemed at the start of summer we were corralling the COVID pandemic, the bug had other ideas with its Delta Variant. The CDC has told our county health department that we are now in "high transmission" mode. That means the virus can be easily transmitted between people and is especially dangerous for unvaccinated folks. Learn more.
Fortunately, it's still really easy to get a vaccine and/or a test. Our county health clinics all offer the shots. You can get them practically anywhere there's a pharmacy. Find a vaccine.
Why get the shot if you haven't already got one? I can offer a personal story. A lifelong family friend died from COVID after his wife contracted it last year. A veteran, he was a good, decent man who loved fishing, camping, boating and hunting. He could fix anything and always had a word of encouragement. There was no question how much he loved his family and community; he was everything good about the neighborhood I grew up in -- and this country. I thought he was going to live to be 100. He was taken much too soon.
If you know someone who is resisting a shot, tell them to do it for you, loved ones and friends. We've already lost 1,000 neighbors in Lake County to this vicious virus. As we mask up again, keep in mind that we can beat this bug, but everyone possible needs to join the fight. Get a shot if you need one. There's no excuse not to: This is about preserving life, family and community, nothing else.
Forest Preserve News
Rollins Savanna continues to dazzle. I'm out on the Millennium Trail about once a week. Lately there's a scintillating display of yellow blooms from rosin weed, compass and cup plants. Rattlesnake masters are also showing their silver flowers. I even saw a rare swamp rose hibiscus alongside Mill Creek (pictured -- thanks for the identification to Pati Vitt, our ace ecologist).
New to Rollins is a mini-picnic area in the shade just north of the washrooms on Washington Street (thanks to Mike Tully and his amazing team). And starting this Sunday, Rollins will be one of a delightful array of trails in our annual Hike Lake County Challenge. If you hike at least seven trails between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30, you can earn a free zipper pull, walking stick shield or special dog medallion for your pooch. (Note: bicycling and horse riding don't count in this program, sorry).
Since I love these trails -- now more popular than ever -- I'm going to try to hike all of them. I know my faithful trail buddy Brogan always gets excited at walking these unique paths. There's always something new to discover and they are great for physical, mental and spiritual well being. Learn more about the Hike Lake County Challenge.
Transportation News
I was just named to a countywide task force that will explore the future of the Route 53 corridor. As many of you know, this cancelled highway project would have cut right through the heart of Mundelein, Grayslake and Hainesville.
After taking a tour of the corridor with local environmentalists and neighbors (thanks, friends), it was clear that we need a comprehensive, sustainable land-use plan that will protect our precious wetlands, forests and open spaces. I will be listening attentively to a broad group of interested stakeholders, so let me know what you think. We are asked by the Illinois General Assembly to come up with recommendations in about a year.
Good news for anyone traveling on Washington Street. The resurfacing project is done. Thanks for your patience!
Appeal Your Assessment
By now you've received your blue notices in the mail, which list your township's assessed value of your home and property. If you think your assessment is too high -- relative to assessed values of similar properties -- you have a month to appeal through the Lake County Board of Review.
You can easily file an assessment appeal online with our Board of Review. And if your property description is incorrect or you are not receiving the exemptions you're entitled to, you can correct that information directly with your assessor.
Keep in mind that lowering your assessment isn't guaranteed to lower your property tax bill, which is based on your equalized assessed valuation plus all of the tax rates by every taxing body that applies to your property. Most of your tax bill goes to local schools.
I was happy to host an assessment seminar Aug. 9 with Treasurer Holly Kim and Avon Assessor Chris Ditton. Watch this video recording to watch the seminar. Keep in mind that our Taxpayer Bill of Rights states that you have a right to appeal assessments and know where your tax dollars go.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you'd like me to speak to your community group, please let me know. And if you need immediate assistance with any county services (vaccines, mental health, rental, etc.), please call our 2-1-1 hotline.
Be well, be safe,
John
