City Working to Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Highland Park is working with the Highland Park Community Foundation to assist with relief in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that battered Moore, Oklahoma on Monday.

The information below comes from the City of Highland Park. The City of Highland Park is coordinating with the Highland Park Community Foundation to assist with relief in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that battered Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 20, 2013.  "Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the horrendousstorm that tore through Oklahoma,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. "Highland Park is a caring and generous community; we greatly appreciate the Community Foundation’s assistance in serving as a clearinghouse for donationsto support those affected by the storm.” The Highland Park Community Foundation was established in 1992 to build and maintain the Highland Park Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund helps maintain and expand the…

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Lake Cook Construction Running Ahead of Schedule

Night work and potential bonus for contractor helps accelerate roadwork.

Reconstruction of Lake Cook Road is proceeding two weeks ahead of schedule in part because more of the work is being done at night, according to Deerfield’s Project Manager John Guccione. Paving of a portion of Lake Cook Road was set for late Monday night into early Tuesday morning but was postponed until today because of storms. Guccione hopes the work will be done tonight. Earlier: Business Owners Feel Construction Pinch “The project is at least two weeks ahead of schedule,” Guccione said. “The night work is planned (in part) because the (construction) trucks are getting stuck in traffic. The contractor is keeping the cement factories open at night,” he added describing the builder’s commitment. Work is being done at night to ease the …

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David Greenberg

5:35 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

oh great, you just jinxed it...   more ›

Forest Preserve District Approves Reduced Budget

The Lake County Forest Preserve District's overall budget for 2013-14 decreased $12.4 million over the last fiscal year.

To keep more than 30,000 acres of forest preserves in Lake County safe, clean and open for people to enjoy, the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners adopted a reduced fiscal year 2013-2014 budget of $101.5 million at its May 14 meeting. For the fifth consecutive year, total forest preserve property tax revenues collected are projected to decrease substantially due to declines in Lake County’s equalized assessed value (EAV), and because of the district's conservative budgeting practices and wise use of available fiscal resources. The overall budget decreased $12.4 million (11 percent) from the previous year, primarily due to an $11.4 million (21.5 percent) decrease in the capital budget. Of property taxes collected in…

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Medical Marijuana Bill Passed by Illinois Senate; Quinn Last Hurdle

Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.

By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …

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Highland Park Bonds Get Moody's Highest Rating

$10 million in general obligation bonds issued at the May 13 city council meeting will be used to fund the city’s water treatment plant upgrade, which broke ground Feb. 15.

The City of Highland Park has received the Aaa rating from Moody's Investor Services for general obligation bonds issued this week to fund the upgrades to the water treatment plant. Moody's also reaffirmed this rating on all outstanding debt. The Aaa credit rating is the highest that can be earned by an organization and could result in as much as $500,000 in savings on interest costs, according to the city. "The Aaa rating is a testament to the sound financial management, conservative decision making, and strategic planning on the part of the City Council and City leadership and staff," said City Manager David Knapp. The Aaa rating, which has been held by the city for more than 15 years, will assist in reducing the cost of capital projects…

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Former Mayor Thanks Former Councilman for 12 Years

Former Highland Park Mayor Mike Belsky describes working with Jim Kirsch, who just ended 12 years on Highland Park's City Council.

Lake Cook Road Configuration Changes

Project moves to next phase with north side getting attention.

Construction activity on Lake Cook Road shifted to the north side of the street Monday as the project moved into its next phase, according to information contained on Deerfield’s website devoted to the project. Earlier: Lake Cook Road Construction Starts Today Stage Two of the traffic control plan went into effect when a new traffic configuration was created Monday moving all drivers to the south side of the road and limiting work to the northern half. Traffic will be shifted to the south side of the roadway with one lane going in each direction and room carved out for left turns. The street will be rebuilt on the north side of the road. Once Stage Two is done, Stage Three will start shifting the pattern from north to south. Lake closures …

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