As we enter the season of reflection and gratitude, it is my pleasure to extend a heartfelt message of the upcoming holiday season to each and every one of you. The cherished holiday period allows us to pause and acknowledge the countless blessings that have graced our lives and our community throughout the last year.
As Mayor, I am profoundly thankful for the compassionate residents who make the City of Zion the vibrant and caring City it is. It’s your tireless dedication through acts of kindness, selfless volunteerism, and insightful contributions to our community’s growth have not gone unnoticed. The collective strength and contributions of our residents truly defines the essence of our City, making it an exceptional place to live, work and play.
May your homes be filled with the warmth of love, laughter and good health this holiday season. May your hearts overflow with appreciation for the many blessings that surround you, and may your tables groan with the weight of delicious feasts shared among family members and friends.
From the bottom of our hearts, we at the City of Zion express our deepest gratitude for your vital role in the tapestry of our City’s successes. It is an honor to serve and reside alongside such a terrific group of individuals. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and truly memorable Christmas, as we move into 2025. With warm regards,
Billy McKinney
Al entrar en la temporada de reflexión y gratitud, es un placer para mí extender un sincero mensaje sobre la próxima temporada navideña a todos y cada uno de ustedes. El preciado período festivo, nos permite hacer pausa y reconocer las innumerables bendiciones que han enriquecido nuestras vidas y a nuestra comunidad durante el último año.
Como Alcalde, estoy profundamente agradecido con la compasión de los residentes que hacen de Zion la Ciudad la vibrante y conmiserativa ciudad que es. Su incansable dedicación por medio de actos de amabilidad, su voluntariado altruista y sus contribuciones prudentes al crecimiento de nuestra comunidad no han pasado desapercibidas. La fuerza colectiva y contribuciones de nuestros residentes realmente definen la esencia de nuestra Ciudad haciéndola un lugar excepcional para vivir, trabajar y divertirse.
Que sus hogares sean llenos con amor cálido, risas y buena salud esta temporada navideña. Que sus corazones rebosen de aprecio por las muchas bendiciones que los rodean, y que sus mezas giman con el peso de la comida deliciosa compartida entre sus familiares y amigos.
Desde el fondo de nuestros corazones, nosotros en la Ciudad de Zion expresamos nuestro más profundo agradecimiento por su papel vital en el éxito de nuestra Ciudad. Es un honor servir y vivir junto a grupo de personas tan maravillosas.
Deseándole a usted y a sus seres queridos una Navidad alegre, pacífica, y verdaderamente memorable, a medida que entramos al 2025.
Con cálidos saludos,
Billy McKinney
FINANCE | FINANZAS
Administrador
City of Zion Administrator & Finance Director |
y Director de Finanzas de la Ciudad de Zion David Knabel
Online Payments – You can now pay your utility bill, parking fees and permits fees with an e-check, savings credit card or debit card, by going online, or by mobile app.
• The City of Zion’s approved online payment processor is PAYMENT SERVICES NETWORK (PSN) Please be advised, if you are making an online payment and accessing the link through a website other than the City of Zion, your payment may not be forwarded to the City immediately and therefore, will not prevent disconnection of your water service. Any payment not made through PSN can cause a delay of up to ten (10) business days to process.
• Additional Payment methods include:
I. Setting up direct debit from your bank account by providing the city with a voided check and signed authorization form.
II. 24/7 access to the Drop Box at City Hall (payments must be in an envelope, CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED VIA DROP BOX)
III. Personal/Business checks and money orders accepted via USPS. Please allow up to 10 days to be received; penalties will still be accessed if the payment isn’t received by the due date.
Pagos en Línea – Ahora puede pagar su factura de servicios públicos, costos de estacionamiento y de permisos con un cheque electrónico, tarjeta de crédito o débito, en línea o mediante la aplicación móvil.
• El procesador de pagos en línea aprobado por la Ciudad de Zion es PAYMENT SERVICES NETWORK (PSN). Por favor tome en cuenta, si esta haciendo un pago en línea y accediendo el enlace por medio de un sitio de web que no sea de la Ciudad de Zion, su pago no será enviado a la Ciudad de inmediato, lo cual no evitará desconexión de su servicio de agua. Cualquier pago que no sea hecho a través de PSN puede causar un retraso de hasta diez (10) días laborables para ser procesado.
• Métodos Adicionales de Pago incluyen:
I. Establecer débito directo de su cuenta de banco proporcionándole a la ciudad un cheque anulado y un formulario de autorización firmado.
II. Acceso las 24 horas los 7 días a la Caja de Pagos en la oficina de City Hall (los pagos deben de estar en un sobre, NO SE ACEPTARÁ DINERO EN EFECTIVO A TRAVÉS DE LA CAJA DE PAGOS)
III. Se aceptan cheques personales/comerciales y giros postales a través del correo postal, USPS. Por favor, espere hasta 10 días para recibirlo; Aún se aplicarán cargos si el pago no es recibido antes de la fecha de vencimiento.
PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING | OBRAS PUBLICAS E INGENIERIA
The Street Department prioritizes clearing all roads during a single snow event but adapts its response based on storm intensity. In icy or snowy conditions, the City applies de-icer and plows snow through a phased approach. Phase one involves salting primary arterial streets and major intersections based on public safety priorities. Phase two, depending on pavement conditions and weather forecasts, initiates snow plowing when snow accumulation reaches two inches. Streets are categorized into three priorities: Priority One includes arterials, collectors, emergency routes, and school routes, which receive the most frequent attention, including curb-to-curb plowing and de-icing. Priority Two consists of residential and non-primary routes, typically addressed after Priority One streets are cleared. Priority Three encompasses alleys, which are plowed last during prolonged or heavy storms. This tiered system ensures efficient use of resources while maintaining public safety.
El Departamento de Calles da prioridad a limpiar las carreteras durante el evento de una nevada pero se adapta a responder basado en la intensidad de la tormenta. En condiciones de hielo o de nieve, la Ciudad aplica descongelador y quita la nieve a través de fases. La primera fase implica echar sal en calles arteriales principales e intersecciones principales basado en la prioridad de la seguridad del público. La fase dos, dependiendo en las condiciones del pavimento y el pronóstico del clima, inicia la limpieza de nieve cuando la acumulación de nieve llegue a dos pulgadas. Las calles son categorizadas en tres prioridades: La Prioridad Uno incluye arteriales, colectores, rutas de emergencia, y rutas escolares, las cuales reciben atención más frecuente, incluyendo limpiar nieve de orilla a orilla y descongelación. La Prioridad Dos consiste de rutas residenciales y calles no-principales, las cuales generalmente se les da atención después de que limpien las calles de Prioridad Uno. Prioridad Tres abarca los callejones, los cuales se limpian al último durante tormentas fuertes prolongadas. Este sistema de niveles garantiza uso eficaz de recursos manteniendo la seguridad pública.
Director of Public Works & Engineering | Director de Obras Publicas e Ingenieria Ray Roberts
MEET OUR POLICE CHIEF | CONOZCA A NUESTRO JEFE DE POLICIA
Police Chief | Jefe de Policia Eric Barden
Winter Driving – There’s a quiet magic in winter driving, where the everyday road is transformed into a frosted wonderland!
Before you head out this winter, make sure your vehicle is ready for the weather. Check your tire pressure and windshield wipers at the beginning of the season. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, include a phone charger, jumper cables, warm clothes, flashlight, snacks and water. Keep you fuel and washer fluid filled. Make sure your tailpipe is clear of snow before warming your vehicle. Always clear your windows, mirrors and lights of snow before you leave. Winter weather can make driving treacherous. Make sure to drive slowly, avoid distractions and increase your following distance. Accelerate and decelerate slowly and lightly tap brakes to avoid sliding. Avoid using cruise control in wet, icy or snowy conditions. If you are heading out on a winter road trip, plan your route in advance and let someone know your itinerary. Monitor the weather and road conditions and avoid driving until roads are safe and passable. Don’t drive tired, schedule breaks every few hours.
Conduciendo en Invierno – ¡Hay una magia silenciosa al conducir en invierno, donde la carretera cotidiana se transforma en un maravilloso paraíso helado!
Antes de que salga este invierno, asegúrese que su vehículo este listo para el clima. Revise la presión de sus llantas y parabrisas al principio de la temporada. Mantenga un kit de primeros auxilios en su vehículo, incluya un cargador de teléfono celular, cables de puente, ropa apropiada para el invierno, lámpara, bocadillos y agua. Mantenga su gasolina y el liquido lavaparabrisas llenos. Asegúrese que su pipa de escape este libre de nieve antes de calentar su vehículo. Siempre limpie la nieve de sus ventanas, espejos y luces antes de salir.
El clima invernal puede hacer que el conducir sea peligroso. Asegúrese de conducir despacio, evite distracciones y aumente la distancia entre su vehículo y el vehículo frente a usted. Acelere y frene despacio y pise ligeramente los frenos para evitar resbalarse. Evite usar el control de crucero en condiciones mojadas, heladas o nevadas. Si va a viajar por carretera, planifique su ruta antemano y déjele saber a alguien su itinerario. Monitoree el clima y las condiciones de la carretera y evite manejar hasta que las carreteras sean seguras y transitables. No conduzca cansado, programe descansos cada cuantas horas.
Frequently Asked Question – We have kids on our block that will be graduating high school next year and we would like to have a block party to celebrate. How do I go about closing our street for this?
You can apply for a Temporary Road Closure permit through the Zion Police Department. The application can be found at www.cityofzion.com/apps-permits.
Preguntas Frecuentes – Tenemos niños en nuestra cuadra que se van a graduar de la secundaria el próximo año y nos gustaría tener una fiesta de cuadra para celebrar. Cómo le hago para poder cerrar la calle para esto?
Puede aplicar para un permiso De Cierre de Cuadra Temporal a través del Departamento de Policía de Zion. La solicitud se encuentra en www.cityofzion.com/apps-permits.
City Hall Office Closures City Hall offices will be closed on the following dates:
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025 to observe New Year’s Day
- Monday, January 20, 2025 to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Cierre de Oficina del Ayuntamiento Las oficinas del Ayuntamiento estarán cerradas en las siguientes fechas:
- Miércoles, 1 de enero de 2025 para observar el Día de Año Nuevo
- Lunes, 20 de enero de 2025 para observar el Día de Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Let’s welcome our new businesses that have opened between September - October, 2024! ¡Demos la bienvenida, a nuestros negocios que han abierto entre septiembre – octubre, 2024!
Business Name / Nombre del Negocio
Cristina’s Hair Salon
McDonald’s
Rampro Facilities Services
Location / Ubicación
Type of Business / Tipo de Negocio
3060 Sheridan Road Hair Salon / Salón de Belleza
4545 IL Route 173 Restaurant / Restaurante
2175 Sheridan Road
Commercial Cleaningn / Limpieza Comercial
35th Annual Black History Celebration 2025 In Partnership With Zion-Benton Township High School
35a Celebración Anual de la Historia Afroamericana 2025 En asociación con la Secundaria Zion-Benton Township
African Americans
Striving to Make a Difference
Afroamericanos Esforzándose por Hacer Una Diferencia
Be a part of something great! Lunch will be provided.
¡Sea parte de algo grandioso! Se proveerá almuerzo.
For more information call Para más información llame a David B. Osborne, Sr. 847-746-5919 • ZionParkDistrict.com
Saturday, February 22 Sábado, 22 de febrero 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Bring the family and join the fun! ¡Traiga a la familia y únase a la diversión!
• Singing • Dancing • Guest speakers
• Surprise entertainers • Poetry
Cantos • Bailes
• Invitados Especiales
• Animadores Sorpresa • Poesía
Zion-Benton Township High School Performing Arts Center
Secundaria Zion-Benton Township Centro de Performing Arts 3901 W 21st Street, Zion, IL 60099
Parking is available in the southwest parking lot. Estacionamiento disponible en el estacionamiento suroeste
Easter Egg HUNT! ¡BUSQUEDA
Saturday, April 19
9:00 am Sharp! Shiloh Park
Sábado, 19 de abril
¡9:00 am Puntual! – Parque Shiloh
Over 10,000 eggs will be hidden containing candy or fun toy prizes
Habrá mas de 10,000 huevos escondidos llenos de dulces o premios de juguetes divertidos
How Zion Township Helps
Emergency and General Assistance
Emergency Transportation Assistance
Organization referrals & resources
Benefit Access & RTA services
Passport services
Notary services
Voter registration
Faxing services
Cómo Ayuda el Zion Township
Asistencia de Emergencia y General
Asistencia de Transporte de Emergencia
Referencias y recursos de organizaciones
Programa Acceso a Beneficios y RTA
Servicios de pasaporte
Servicios notariales
Registro de votantes
Servicios de fax
Zion Township is now a SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) site. Call 847-872-2811 to schedule an appointment with a SHIP Counselor.
Zion Township is dedicated to assisting our residents
Zion Township has two main assistance programs, General Assistance and Emergency Assistance. Through both programs, our team works hard to provide the resources that you need to get back on your feet. Whether you’ve recently lost your job, are waiting for the determination of a social security disability claim, have received an eviction notice or utility disconnection notice, or at risk of losing your job due to transportation, Zion Township may be able to help. Call us at 847-872-2811 email us at Info@ZionTownship.org, or visit our website at ZionTownship.org.
Zion Township está dedicado en asistir a nuestros residentes
Zion Township tiene dos programas principales de asistencia, Asistencia General y Asistencia de Emergencia. A través de ambos programas, nuestro equipo trabaja arduamente para proveerle los recursos que necesita para seguir adelante. Si a perdido su trabajo recientemente, está esperando la determinación de un reclamo de discapacidad del seguro social, ha recibido un aviso de desalojo o un aviso de desconexión en su facturas de servicios públicos, o en riesgo de perder su empleo por falta de transporte, Zion Township tal vez le puede ayudar. Llámenos al 847-872-2811 envíenos un correo electrónico a Info@ZionTownship.org, o visite nuestro sitio de web en ZionTownship.org.
In 2024, Zion Township assisted residents in accessing these resources: (Numbers are based on services through December 13th as the deadline for publication is December 15th.. Please refer to our Annual Report which will be out in March, capturing the final counts for 2024.)
Curious what the Zion Township Team was up to in 2024?
Check out the Annual Report, available at ZionTownship.org after March 1, 2025.
En el 2024, Zion Township ayudó a los residentes a acceder estos recursos: (Estos números son basados en servicios hasta el 13 de diciembre, ya que el ultimo día para publicación es el 15 de diciembre. Por favor consulte con nuestro Reporte Anual que se publicará en marzo, y capturara los números finales del 2024.
¿Tiene curiosidad por saber qué estaba haciendo el equipo de Zion Township en 2024?
Mire el Reporte Anual, disponible en ZionTownship.org después del 1 de marzo 2025.
WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US!
Senior Resource Expo
APRIL 16TH, 2025
9am - Noon
Agencies from across the state come together to host our annual Senior Resource Expo. Join us on April 16, 2025 as we host our 23rd event at the Zion Park District Sports Arena located at 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr. Zion , IL. To register, call Zion Township at 847-872-2811. If you’d like to have a table, please reach out to Sandra Usher at Zion Township by March 28th.
Summer Work Program
¡ESPERAMOS QUE NO ACOMPAÑE!
Exposición de Recursos para Personas de Edad Avanzada 16 de abril, 2025 9am - Mediodía
Agencias de todo el estado se unen para nuestra exposición anual de Recursos para Personas de Edad Avanzada. Acompáñenos el 16 de abril del 2025 para nuestro evento número 23 en el Sports Arena del Distrito de Parques de Zion ubicado en el 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr. Zion, IL. Para registrarse, llame al Zion Township al 847872-2811. Si le gustaría tener una meza, por favor comuníquese con Sandra Usher en el Zion Township antes del 28 de marzo.
In partnership with the Lake County Workforce Development and Zion Park District, Zion Township offers a Summer Youth Employment Program. The Summer Work Program is designed to provide work experience to teens ages 14 - 16 in the Zion community. Applications for the 2025 Youth Summer Work Program, will be available starting March 1 - April 15, 2025. Youth can access the pre-application by visiting www.jobcenteroflakecounty.com.
Programa de Trabajo de Verano
En colaboración con el Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral del Condado de Lake, y el Distrito de Parques De Zion, Zion Township ofrece un Programa de Trabajo de Verano Juvenil. El Programa de Trabajo de Verano esta diseñado para brindarle experiencia laboral a adolescentes de edades de 14 a 16 años en la comunidad de Zion. Las solicitudes para el Program de Trabajo de Verano Juvenil 2025, estarán disponibles a partir del 1 de marzo al 15 de abril del 2025. Los jóvenes pueden acceder la pre-solicitud visitando el sitio de web www. jobcenteroflakecounty.com
Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 is proud to introduce a new community school calendar website, designed to make it easier than ever for families to stay connected and engaged. This innovative platform brings together events from Zion Elementary District 6, Beach Park District 3, Winthrop Harbor School District 1, and Zion-Benton Township High School District 126, all in one place. The concept was thoughtfully envisioned by Dr. Wilcox, Superintendent of Beach Park District 3, who saw the need for a resource that unifies school events and fosters collaboration among local districts. By providing a centralized hub for school activities, the calendar encourages families to actively participate in their student’s educational experiences, strengthening community ties and making family engagement simple and accessible.
Meetings are available to view in our @zbthsd126 YouTube “Board of Education” Playlist
Scan to access the Community School Calendar
July 2024 Through June 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Zion-Benton Township High School 3901 W. 21st Street, Zion, IL 60099
Embracing Our Past, Enhancing Our Present, and Enlightening Our Future.
Dear Neighbors,
I’m honored to serve as your Illinois State Representative! I love our community, and I’m grateful for the trust you’ve put in me to represent you in Springfield and provide assistance with state services here in the 61st District.
Here are some of the things that I and my district constituent services office do. Please contact us if we can be of assistance!
Be sure to sign up for our
notifications
LEGISLATION & BUDGET
I welcome your ideas about new laws or changes to existing laws! I also welcome your feedback and questions about, any pending legislation in Illinois. Each year, Illinois legislators vote on an annual budget. If you have thoughts on Illinois’ budget priorities, please let me know. I track feedback from everyone who writes, calls or emails about bills or the budget and I take it all into consideration when voting.
If you are having an issue with a state agency, my office can assist you with seeking a resolution. Common examples include IDES (Unemployment), The Secretary of State (Driver services), the Treasurer (iCash, College Savings, ABLE), the Illinois Department of Revenue (state income taxes), IDFPR (Professional licensing), IDHS (Human Services assistance programs), and IDOT (Dept of Transportation).
Each year I host a variety of events including free shredding, iCash and IPass, college planning, property tax appeal, “Read With Your Rep” for kids, legislative updates and advisory council meetings, and much more. We also host regular neighborhood office hours, bringing our team to your town! Check out our website or sign up for updates so you don’t miss a thing!
(Please call for hours)
Community Civic Groups
Coalition for Healthy Communities
“Leading our community in a collaborative effort to improve identified health, wellness and social issues"
Meeting: Monthly meetings held on Fridays 8am virtual - contact info@zbchc.com to be added to the distribution list.
Website: www.ZBCHC.com
Illinois Beach Sunrise Rotary Club
Provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
Meeting: Monthly meetings held on Thursdays at New Tech Campus, 1634 23rd St., Zion 7:15am - 8am
Website: https://ibsrotary.org
Devoted to serving children in our local community through unique and innovative service projects and fundraising initiatives.
Meeting: Weekly at El Lago Restaurant 2216 Sheridan Rd. Tuesday 7:30am - 8:30am. First meeting closed to the public.
Website: zbkiwanis.org
Zion-Benton Kiwanis
Serving
beach park, winthrop harbor and zion
Local civic organization for women.
Meeting: Meets at Grace Missionary Church, 1415 27th., Zion the first Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm
Website: www.zion.gfwcillinois.org
Winthrop Harbor Lions Club
Eye care and other community services
Meeting: Meets 2nd Thursday at 7:00pm at Stone Creek Grill - 206 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor
Website: httpsdistrict1flions.com
Zion-Benton Exchange Club
Programs include child abuse prevention, community and youth services.
Meeting: Meeting area 1st and 3rd Monday’s at 6:00pm - 7:00pm. 1st Monday is a Zoom meeting, 3rd Monday is held at Stone Creek Grill, 206 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor
Website: nationalexchangeclub.org
Zion Woman’s Club
Township: Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor will be available Mondays & Tuesdays by appointment to assist you with any Medicare questions. Contact Zion Township 8 47-872-2811 to schedule an appointment.
for Healthy Communities: Jr. ZBLA applications open to 1318-year old’s that lives in Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor or Zion. For more information or to apply email: zbleadershipacademy@gmail.com
Friday of the month/ Primer Viernes del mes a las 2:30 p.m.
Convivio, Comunidad y Recursos–
Library: Senior Social Hour at ZionBenton Public Library 2400 Gabriel, Zion 2:00 PM –3:00 PM
for Healthy Communities Meeting: 8AM Virtual www.ZBCHC.com “Leading our community in a collaborative effort to improve identified health, wellness and social issues”
month Zion Township: Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor will be available Mondays & Tuesdays by appointment to assist you with any Medicare questions. Contact Zion Township 8 47-872-2811 to schedule an appointment.
Zion City Council Meeting: 7:00 PMCity Hall, City Council Chambers 2828 Sheridan Road, Zion.
Zion-Benton Public Library: Job Center on the Move ZionBenton Public Library 2400 Gabriel, Zion 2:00 PM –4:00 PM Zion-Benton Public Library: Art Adventures with Phyllis at ZionBenton Public Library 2400 Gabriel, Zion 5:30 PM –7:30 PM Zion-Benton Public Library: Community Hub at Zion-Benton Public Library 2400 Gabriel, Zion 1:30 PM –4:30 PM
Zion-Benton Public Library: Senior Social Hour at ZionBenton Public Library 2400 Gabriel, Zion 2:00 PM –3:00 PM
Zion Township: Convivio, Comunidad y Recursos–First Friday of the month/ Primer Viernes del mes a las 2:30 p.m. 1015 27 th Street –Zion.
Illinois Dunesland Garden Club meets at the ZionBenton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave., Zion at 1pm in Meeti ng Rooms A & B, for more info: Facebook@IllinoisDuneslandGardenClub
for Healthy Communities Meeting: 8AM Virtual www.ZBCHC.com “Leading our community in a collaborative effort to improve identified health, wellness and social issues” Contact info@zbchc.com to be added to the distribution list.
Zion Township Board Meeting: 6PMCity Hall, City Council Chambers 2828 Sheridan Road, Zion. Zion City Council Meeting: 7:00 PMCity Hall, City Council Chambers 2828 Sheridan Road, Zion.
Seed Library: At Zion-Benton Public Library 2400 Gabriel Ave., Zion 1:00 PM –3:00 PM Monthly Meeting 22 35 th Annual Black History Program at ZionBenton High School (Horizon Campus) Performing Arts Center, One Z-B Way 12:00 PM. Bring the family and join the fun! A celebration the entire family will enjoy.
Zion Elementary School Dist. 6 Board Meeting: 6:30PM Administrative Office 2800 29 th St., Zion
Zion-Benton Twp. H.S. Dist. 126 Board Meeting: 7PM –South Library 3901 W. 21 st St., Zion Zion-Benton Public Library Board Meeting: 6:30PM Zion-Benton Public Library 2400 Gabriel, Zion
Please visit each agency’s website (listed on page 2) for more upcoming events. Civic Groups meeting times and place listed on page 28-29
