Inverness E-Newsletter - January 28, 2022

Message from Mayor Jack Tatooles

Dear Inverness Residents,

As 2022 begins, this would be a fantastic opportunity to welcome some new faces to our community.

This month, we welcome our newest Police Officer Kyle Ingebrigtsen. Kyle joins us following his retirement from the Palatine Police Department, where he served 28 years and obtained the rank of Commander. Kyle worked in the Patrol Division, the Detective Bureau as an Investigator, and was in charge of the K-9 Unit from its inception. Kyle is a Master Taser Instructor and a Graduate of the Southern Police Institute Staff and Commander School.

Officer Ingebrigtsen replaces Officer Jeff Glueck, one of our original 12 officers who started the Inverness Police Department in 2009. During his time with Inverness, Jeff preferred to work the midnight shift during his tenure. Jeff was instrumental in regularly providing "Crime of Opportunity" notices to residences that left garage doors open or refuse/recycling containers remaining out after the collection date. We extend Jeff and his wife, Pam, best wishes on their retirement and new future journeys.

Last November, the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District's Board of Trustees appointed a new fire chief. Chief Rich Kurka will be the fourth fire chief employed by Palatine Rural since it began operations in January 1995. Rich comes from the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District No. 1. Chief Kurka started his career as a firefighter/paramedic with Bloomingdale in 1994 and rose through the ranks to retire as deputy chief in July 2021.

For the past several months, the Chicagoland region has seen a steady increase in reported cases for COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed the importance of vaccines to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on yourself and your loved ones. Inverness residents have showcased its willingness to protect our families and communities with over 90% of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and over 72% of the complete COVID-19 vaccine series, which is amongst the highest in Cook County. By working together, we can expedite the recovery process to return to “normal” with the lifting of restrictions that have been placed on local businesses.

Let’s continue to be there for our community.

Jack Tatooles

Mayor

Preventing Vehicle Thefts

For the past several years, Inverness and surrounding communities have experienced an increase in the theft of vehicles and car burglaries. The car theft crews out of Chicago are targeting suburbs and seeking unlocked cars. These thieves take personal belongings and cash. If the vehicle owner leaves the key fob in the vehicle, the vehicle will be stolen. Recently theft crews have been known to use the garage door opener to enter a garage, take the car in the garage, and sometimes enter the home through the garage service door.

These crews are dangerous and have been armed with handguns. When police officers try to pull them over, they flee, sometimes reaching speeds of 100 MPH. Several area police departments have apprehended some of the crews; however, since many crew members are juveniles, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has difficulties prosecuting and keeping them in jail.

Use common sense when you park by:

Always take your keys and fob without leaving them in or on your vehicle.
Closing windows and locking doors.
Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen.
Never leave the area while your vehicle is running.
Keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible.

Suburban Cook County In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination

The Cook County Department of Health (CCDPH) offers in-home COVID-19 vaccination services to reach individuals who find it difficult to go to COVID-19 vaccination sites to get the vaccine (1st, 2nd, and 3rd doses and boosters).

Home bound residents can click here to register for in-home vacation:

Illinois Vax Verify System Now Offers

SMART™ Health Card Vaccination Verification

New updates to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Vax Verify immunization portal now includes use of the SMART™ Health Card. The SMART™ Health Card allows users to download a QR code, which individuals can use to easily confirm their COVID-19 vaccination status at businesses, events, and other locations. Vax Verify is an online system that allows Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record. Vax Verify can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.

The QR code can be downloaded or kept in Apple Wallet and presented for COVID-19 vaccination verification. Businesses wanting to verify vaccination status can download the Commons Project SMART Health Card Verifier App on Apple AppStore and Google Play store. Read more...

Community Concerns Regarding Coyote Sightings

The Inverness Police Department has continued to field community concerns regarding coyote sightings in the residential areas. To expedite a proactive response to this concern, the Village has reached out to an Urban Coyote Specialist with a strong record of positive results in other metro-area communities surrounding us.

To help the specialist better understand our coyote population and patterns, the community is being asked for their assistance. Residents who observe a coyote in their neighborhood are asked to go to http://www.scientificwildlifemanagement.com/coyote-sightings/ and report the sighting and condition of the animal. Residents who have questions about the online reporting process can contact the police department at 847-358-7766 or email [email protected].

As coyotes are wild animals, residents should never actively seek out or search for them. Additional information will be provided as we continue to investigate these concerns.

Refuse and Recycling

Holiday Collection Schedule

Refuse and Recycling collection will occur as normal on Thursday, Feburary 24, 2022 for President's Day

Click here to download the 2022 Refuse, Recycling, Yard Waste Collection Scheule

Village Offices Holiday Schedule

Village offices will be closed in observance for the following upcoming holiday:

Monday, February 21: President's Day

AARP Income Tax Filing Assistance

Bacoa, Barrington Council on Aging, is offering older adults assistance with filing income tax returns with Tax aids through AARP, beginning in February. The assistance, offered through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, helps low- to moderate-income taxpayers file state and federal returns. Click Here to read more

Get free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests at COVIDtest.gov. The tests are completely free.

COVID-19 Information Resources

CCDPH's COVID-19 Surveillance Data

IDPH's Vax Verify Portal

Vaccines.gov - Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you

VILLAGE OF INVERNESS

847-358-7740 | WEBSITE | EMAIL