Floodwaters lifted and curled boat piers along Squaw Creek. Lake County reported that property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $281 per year on their flood insurance policies. (Chronicle Media file photo)

Lake County

County Board names pair to leadership posts

The Lake County Board recently elected Sandy Hart (District 13) as its chairman and Mary Ross Cunningham as vice-chairman, both for two-year terms. Hart has served on the Lake County Board since 2012. Her district includes Lake Bluff, Wildwood, unincorporated Grayslake, and portions of North Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville and Gurnee. Hart has served as vice-chair of the County Board’s Community Services Committee and as a member of the Law and Judicial Committee. Cunningham has served on the Lake County Board since 2002, and her district includes portions of Waukegan and North Chicago. She has also served as the chair of the County Board’s Law and Judicial Committee, as well as the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In addition, Cunningham served on the Health and Community Services Committee, along with other ad hoc committees. For more information, call 847-377-2300 or visit www.lakecountyil.gov.

Unincorporated residents offered flood insurance deal

Lake County reported that property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $281 per year on their flood insurance policies. Currently, there are more than 980 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents in unincorporated Lake County who meet certain requirements are eligible for up to 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums. This results in a potential total annual savings of more than $276,000 overall for residents across the county. Property owners are encouraged to contact their flood insurance agent to obtain additional savings information. For more information, call the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department at 847-377-2086 or visit www.lakecountyil.gov.

County Partners reports increase in visitor spending

Lake County Partners, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development in Lake County, reported that visitor spending topped $1.34 billion in 2017, representing a 2.8 percent increase — and a new record for the county. In addition, tourism-related employment increased 1.7 percent, and local tax receipts rose to $30.8 million, a 3 percent increase from 2016. Visitors generated nearly $82 million in state tax receipts in the county — a 8.5 percent increase — solidifying Lake County’s position as one of the top counties in the state for visitor expenditures. For more information, call 847-597-1220 or visit www.lakecountypartners.com.

Buffalo Grove

High school earns technology education award

Buffalo Grove High School recently earned the Technology Education High School Program of the Year award, presented by the Technology Education Association of Illinois (TEAI). Each year, TEAI awards individuals and programs for making significant contributions to the field of technology education. The Program of the Year award acknowledges Buffalo Grove High School’s technology education program, which serves 450 students in several career pathways, including manufacturing, engineering, graphic arts, media broadcasting, automotive technology and information technology (IT). Courses in these subjects include opportunities to earn early college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses. Students also can earn industry certification through the automotive and manufacturing pathways. In addition to teaching high school students, the technology education program also works with 75 middle school students each semester as part of the Next Generation of Engineers after-school program. The Program of the Year award was presented during the Illinois Technology Education Conference, held Nov. 8-9 at Illinois State University. For more information, call 847-718-4000 or visit www.bghs.d214.org.

Fox Lake

Parks and Rec to host December Senior Luncheon

The village announced that the Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Grant Township Center will host the 2018 December Senior Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd. The menu includes baked ham, yams, vegetables, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage. In addition, the Lotus Stanton Choir will perform holiday music. Admission is $10. Reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 224-225-1404. For more information, visit www.foxlake.org.

Barrington

Village offers tips on co-existing with coyotes, foxes

The village announced that it has received several recent reports concerning coyotes and foxes in Barrington. According to the Lake County Forest Preserve District, there are no known incidents of these animals attacking humans in the area, and the animals do provide an environmental benefit. Both coyotes and foxes prey on small mammals, including rodents such as mice and voles, and they also feed on geese eggs, which helps to control the geese population. Though it is safe to live near coyotes and foxes, the village recommends the following guidelines for co-existence: Do not feed or attempt to pet coyotes or foxes; keep trash well-contained; use squirrel-proof bird feeders and keep seed off the ground as much as possible. Bird seed attracts small rodents, thereby attracting coyotes and foxes. In addition, keep dogs on a leash, do not leave small pets unattended outside, and keep pets’ shots up to date. Do not run if a coyote approaches. Instead, stand up straight to create a larger presence, and wave your arms or throw an object in the animal’s direction to scare it away. For more information, call 847-304-3400 or visit www.barrington-il.gov.        

–Lake County News Briefs–