Lake County news briefs

Samuel Gascoigne (left) and Niam Abeysiriwardena. (Photo courtesy of Lake Forest College)

Lake Forest

Local students awarded prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

Lake Forest College students Niam Abeysiriwardena, ’20 of Northbrook, Illinois, and Samuel Gascoigne, ’20 of Deerfield, were recently awarded distinguished Goldwater Scholarships.

This scholarship is among the most competitive honors in the country for undergraduates in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Abeysiriwardena is double majoring in neuroscience and computer science with a minor in legal studies, while Gascoigne is double majoring in neuroscience and biology.

The pair co-authored a research paper that was published in the “Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine” last summer and have continued their scientific research at Lake Forest College.

Abeysiriwardena graduated from Glenbrook South High School, and Gascoigne graduated from Deerfield High School.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Sen. Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

The goal of the Goldwater Scholarship is to support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the nation’s next generation of research leaders in those fields.

This is the second year in a row that Lake Forest College students have received this prestigious award, as recent graduate Jeanne McDonald, ’19 of Wilmette won the scholarship last year. McDonald will continue the research track she developed at Lake Forest by pursuing her Ph.D. in evolutionary biology at Cornell University.

Lake Forest College is a national liberal arts institution located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. The College has 1,500 students representing nearly every state and 80 countries.

Lake County

First Installment of Property Tax Bills Due June 6

As the deadline to pay the first installment of Lake County property taxes approaches, property owners are encouraged to learn more about their tax bill and become aware of the different ways to pay.

Each tax bill contains information that is used to determine the total amount due. There is also information about tax distribution which shows property owners where their property tax dollars are going. Property owners can learn more about the different sections listed on their bill by reviewing this example tax bill breakdown.

It’s important for property owners to familiarize themselves with their property tax bill so they can make sure it accurately reflects their property information and any exemptions they may qualify for. While more than 99.7% of the 289,000-plus tax bills Lake County sent were accurate this year, a few hundred taxpayers received inaccurate tax bills in early May. Working in partnership with property owners, the Chief County Assessment Office notified those that were impacted and worked quickly to resolve the issue.

“Our goal is to be as transparent as possible by making the information we have available for the public to view at any time,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “Anyone can search for property tax information by going to our new website tax.lakecountyil.gov. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff ready and willing to provide assistance, answer questions and address any concerns.”

The first installment of Lake County property taxes is due June 6. The second installment is due Sept. 6. The Lake County Treasurer’s Office offers taxpayers multiple ways to pay their bill, including by mail, online, in person at the Treasurer’s Office, and at a local bank. Property owners can view the ways to pay their bill by watching this video and at lakecountytreasurer.info/waystopay

“The Treasurer’s Office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” said Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. “We even partnered with local banks to collect payments on Saturday, which may be more convenient for taxpayers than driving all the way to Waukegan.”

Those with general questions about their tax bill, such as making a payment, should contact the Lake County Treasurer’s Office at treasurer@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-2323.

More than 20 local banks can collect property tax payments. Property owners should check with their bank to confirm their hours.

List of Banks: First Bank of Highland Park, First Midwest, Associated Bank, BMO Harris Bank, State Bank of Lakes, Heartland Bank and Trust, Bank Financial, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Inland Bank, Libertyville Bank & Trust, Northside Community Bank, Northern Trust, 1st National McHenry, Federal Savings Bank, CIBC, North Shore Trust & Savings, Buffalo Grove Bank and Trust, Cornerstone Bank & Trust, Centrust Bank and First American Bank.