Community News
Shields Township Annual Meeting
Shields Township will hold it's Annual Meeting on April 9 at 6:30 PM in the community room, 906 Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff (second floor).
Tax Preparation Help for Low Income and Seniors
My Free Taxes is an online tax preparation service that is free, safe, and easy to use. Sponsored by United Way and H&R Block, MyFreeTaxes has all of the features you’re looking for to file your federal and state returns — with none of the fees. Taxpayers can save an average of $200 in fees by using My Free Taxes. If you earn $66,000 or less in calendar year 2018 you qualify for this service. Contact Sara Martinez (847) 775-1026.
If you earn $55,000 or less you qualify and prefer in person help Moraine Township has volunteers who train with IRS annually to prepare tax returns for free. They accept appointments Thursday morning, Tuesday afternoon, Tuesday evening and Saturday morning; we welcome walk-ins Saturday mornings as well. To schedule an appointment please call (847) 432-3240.

Dickinson Hall provides AARP Volunteers who will prepare and electronically file your income taxes for you. This is a free service provided in cooperation with AARP and the IRS. Reservations are necessary, beginning in February of each year.
Please call 847-234-2209 for more information.
It's Tax Time- Don't Get Scammed
Whether your taxes are finished or you plan on waiting until April, it's important to be aware that the IRS scams are as prevalent as ever.

Even though these scams have been around for years and seem to be rather well known, the police often receive calls from unsuspecting residents. Many times the resident has heard about the scams, but nevertheless became concerned the first time a call was received. In addition, sometimes the call ID is spoofed to make it appear as though the IRS is actually calling.

The IRS will never:

Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you several bills.

Call or email you to verify your identity by asking for personal and financial information.

Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or email.

Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
More Scams
NETFLIX SCAM:  Police say if you get an email that appears to be from Netflix urging you to update your credit card information, don't do it. The scam, which was first noticed in early   November  , manifests itself as "an email from a fake account has been circulating to Netflix customers alerting them of the deactivation of their account because the company could not validate billing information. The fraudulent email asks people to click a link to enter their personal information.   More Information from Netflix
BEWARE OF UTILITY SCAM  :   ComEd   is warning customers to be on alert for scam artists claiming to be a ComEd representative seeking payment. The company has seen a significant increase in reports from small businesses and residential customers who were victimized by these types of scam incidents.
Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions:
• Never provide social security or personal information to anyone initiating contact with you claiming to be a ComEd representative or requesting you to send money to another person or entity other than ComEd.
• Ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any utility worker into your home or business.
• When in doubt, check it out. Be skeptical of individuals wearing clothing with old or defaced company logos. If you have any doubts, ask to see a company photo ID and if you are still not sure, call our customer service to verify.
• Never make payment for services to anyone coming to the door or someone who is trying to pressure you on the phone.
If you’ve been victimized by fraud, the Consumer Protection Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s office may be able to help. Visit    www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers.
Affordable Pet Vaccinations
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 847-377-4700. Clinic Schedule and fees
College of Lake County Dental Hygiene Services for $15
CLC Dental Hygiene Clinic 
111 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, IL 60085
For appointments, call (847) 543-2172.
  •  Walk-in screenings will be accepted when student availability exists.
  • Screening Appointments are FREE!
All patients start with a screening appointment, where dental health needs are assessed and further dental services are scheduled.
Receive these Dental Hygiene Services for just $15:*
  • Teeth cleanings
  • X-rays
  • Fluoride application
  • Pit and fissure sealants
  • Examination for other dental needs
Now offering Teeth Whitening for $125.
 
Metra's New Added Trains
Metra has partnered with business and civic groups in Lake County to pilot a two-year project for expanded rush hour commuter service on the Milwaukee District North Line.

Beginning March 4, the morning and afternoon train schedule will be improved to accommodate rush hour riders at the western Lake Forest station on Telegraph Road. A new outbound express train will depart Union Station at 6:25 a.m. and arrive in Lake Forest at 7:15 a.m.

In the afternoon, express service will leave the Lake Forest station at 5:09 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. and arrive at Union Station in about 50 minutes or less.

The new train schedule will also benefit residents during the weekday morning rush hour by: 1) adding a new morning inbound train; and, 2) modifying an existing morning inbound train to provide express service. The expanded service will make it easier for local businesses to attract and retain talent and draw from the diverse workforce living in Chicago. Lake County residents will also be able to take advantage of the service to quickly get to Chicago during peak hours.

As part of this groundbreaking partnership, stakeholders will also work on a definitive agreement to share the cost of installing a universal crossover near Lake Forest to create additional opportunities for enhanced service. For more information...

How To Receive Meals on Wheels
To register and participate in a comprehensive assessment, call the Senior Case Management at (847) 546-5733. No customer is ever denied a meal due to their inability or unwillingness to make a donation toward the cost of their meal.
10 Days to Enjoy during Lake County Restaurant Week
Explore new places to dine or enjoy old favorites during Lake County Restaurant Week, which runs March 1 to 10. Participating restaurants will offer either a specially designed prix fixe menu or a special dining offer. 
Ethylene Oxide Update in Lake County
On November 2, 2018, the Lake County Health Department learned of concerns surrounding ethylene oxide emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee. The Health Department immediately initiated communication with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to better understand the situation and express the public’s desire for appropriate air monitoring and timely and transparent communication. The Health Department has maintained regular communication with these agencies, which have sole jurisdiction for regulating emissions.

Lake County Health Department officials have since visited Medline and Vantage to gather information and convey the public’s concerns. Along with the Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan, the Health Department is taking measures to assure air monitoring will occur and has urged the U.S. EPA to conduct a town hall meeting in Lake County. The Health Department will continue to use all available resources to protect the health of Lake County residents and will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Questions and concerns can be sent via email to the U.S. EPA at  eto@epa.gov . 
Mental Health Services Available 24/7
Help is only a phone call or text away. Get immediate mental health assistance by using these free services while remaining anonymous. 

Crisis Care Hotline
Speak with a counselor anytime by calling  847-377-8088  . They can help guide you through difficult times, manage stress, anxiety and depression, and cope with longer-term difficulties.
 
Text-A-Tip
Download the Lake County Help app, available on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. Within the app, select the 24/7 Text-A-Tip hotline where you will send a message to a dedicated number and receive an immediate response from a licensed clinician while remaining anonymous. The anonymity makes it a comfortable place for students to share information and provides a safe outlet for voicing concerns about themselves and others.
Dispose of Your Prescription Drugs Properly
Help fight opioid abuse!
 
Access to prescription drugs sometimes comes from YOUR medicine cabinet. If you have old prescriptions you are no longer in need of, please dispose of your medications properly. Never flush them! Most police station will accept your unused medication.

Swalco Household Chemical Waste Event
APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED for Household Chemical Waste Events located at our Gurnee Facility to ensure safety & efficiency. Collections are for residential waste only. No business waste will be accepted. All SWALCO HCW Collection Events are FREE for Illinois residents ONLY.

Items you can bring to a collection include: CFL bulbs, unwanted prescription, over-the-counter medicines and supplements (people and pet), household cleaners, gasoline, garden chemicals, pesticides, oil-based paints (NO LATEX) and varnishes, as well as other household chemicals. For a more detailed list visit SWALCO's HCW Website at:  For more information...
Our Services
Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Progra m 
Did you know one of the duties of our office is to help our low income residents obtain heating assistance? If you are aware of Shields residents who meet the income guidelines, please have them contact our office. Call Devon Nelson at (847) 234-0802
Household Size
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Maximum Gross Monthly Income
 
$1508.00
$2030.00
$2553.00
$3075.00
$3598.00
$4120.00
$4643.00
GENERAL ASSISTANCE AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE 
General Assistance: The Township’s General Assistance Program provides monthly financial assistance to low-income residents to help in meeting their basic living expenses. The process of applying involves filling out an application, then making an appointment for an interview. For more information, call Devon Nelson, Case Manager, at 847-234-0802 . The application is available for download here .

Emergency Assistance: Assistance may be provided by the Township to alleviate life-threatening circumstances. Residents experiencing financial hardship may apply for this assistance to pay for shelter, food, utilities, medical services, or transportation. An individual may receive Emergency Assistance once in a 12-month period. Call Devon Nelson, Case Manager, at 847-234-0802 for information.
Passports
Passport hours:
M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
F 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Passport photos are available for $12. No appointment necessary.
Fees go to aid our neighbors in need. Get complete information
Dial-a-Ride
You can register at the Shields Township office for this curb-to-curb service that takes the elderly or disabled where they need to go. Once you are registered and have made a reservation, you will need $3 for a one way trip and $6 for a round trip.
Property Tax Relief
Illinois law provides homeowners with homestead exemptions that may lower the amount of property tax you owe. Our office can assist you with filing your exemptions, or you can apply online at Lakecountyil.gov on the Chief County Assessment Office page. Call us at 847-234-3485 for more information .
Electronic Recycling Opportunities
Prairieland Disposal and Recycling
21N988 Pepper Road, Lake Barrington, IL 
Monday - Friday ​8:00 am to 3:00 pm
​Saturday ​8:00 am to NOON​
​Closed on Legal Holidays
No cost for Lake County residents
​Businesses are prohibited
​LIMIT OF TEN ITEMS PER VISIT INCLUDING ONE TV
​(excluding misc. cords and cables)


Grayslake: Public Works Facility
585 Berry Avenue, Grayslake, IL
​Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Saturday ​8:00 am to NOON
​Excluding Holidays
Also Accepting:
​Clothing & Textiles, Shoes,
​Mixed Paper, Cardboard,
​Plastic Containers, Glass Bottles & Jars,
​Steel Cans,  Food Scraps 
Grant Township: Road District Facility
26535 Molidor Road, Ingleside, IL
​Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
​Excluding Holidays
No cost to Lake County residents
​Business are prohibited
​LIMIT OF TEN ITEMS PER VISIT
​​(excluding misc. cords and cables)


Highland Park: Recycling Center
1180 Half Day Road, Highland Park, IL
​Every Tuesday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
​1st Saturday of the month 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
​​Excluding Holidays
Also Accepting:
​Clothing and Textiles, Shoes,
​  Polystyrene Foam: Cup, Containers &
​Packaging, Fluorescent Light Bulbs 
Opportunities to Give Back
Help your neighbors in need by donating to our Food Pantry. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the township office. Contact Heather Kerr at 847-579-9739 or to organize a food drive. PhoenixRising.foundation
Thank You for Subscribing
Terry Darraugh, Township Supervisor
Thank you for subscribing to our email newsletter. Our goal is to keep you informed on local issues that may impact you. If you know of residents who may not receive our e-newsletter, please forward this to them and invite them to sign up via our website. If you need to contact me, please call the office at 847-234-0802.


Your Shields Township Officials
Supervisor: Terry Darraugh, t.darraugh@shieldstownship.com
Highway Commissioner: Scott Anderson, svanderson@shieldstownship.com
Assessor: Scott Helton, Shelton@shldassessor.org
Trustees:
Clerk: Joy Gayter, jgayter@shieldstownship.com
‌
847-234-0802 [ShieldsTownship.com]