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Governor
Bruce Rauner recently signed legislation that gives Lake County (along with
McHenry County) the authority to consolidate and dissolve units of local government.
This legislative change helps Lake County build on its consolidation efforts to
improve efficiency of government services and alleviate tax burdens on
residents.
Chairman
Aaron Lawlor said, “We recognize that in these tough times, the same old way of
conducting our business just doesn’t cut it. That’s why we are leading efforts
to save taxpayer money by sharing services, including contracting with
municipalities for plan review and inspection service and providing police
services at cost for some municipalities. We are also exploring the feasibility
of consolidating 911 emergency dispatch centers in the region, which presents
tremendous opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and provide cost
savings.”
The new law
is an expansion of a 2013 law that only applied to DuPage County. This move is
a step toward reducing the more than 7,000 units of government in Illinois,
which is more than any state in the nation.
 The first human case of West Nile virus in Lake
County this year has been confirmed. In addition to the human case, 84
pools (batches) of mosquitoes and two birds have tested positive for West Nile
virus in the county this year. Check out these tips
provided by the Lake County Health Department to prevent mosquito breeding and
to avoid getting bit by a mosquito.
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Lake
County PASSAGE puts local traffic information at
your fingertips. PASSAGE is an intelligent transportation system designed to
provide motorists real time traffic congestion information through the PASSAGE
website, email
notifications, Twitter and radio 1620 AM. The PASSAGE website is mobile-friendly,
so you can get a map of current road conditions, construction and
events, including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents as well
as view camera images at major intersections. Let us know what you think! Take PASSAGE Survey.
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 Lake County
has seen a significant increase in phone calls made to residents of people
falsely claiming to be Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents in the past three
months. The callers indicate that they are looking for payment and stating that
if payments are not made, the taxpayer will be arrested. Here are five things scammers often do but the IRS will
not do.
Upcoming Workshop: Seniors, Fraud
& Money
Certain
crimes such as popular scams can be targeted to older adults, so awareness and
education are key to protecting yourself. Attend this upcoming free
workshop to learn the popular scams which target senior citizens, the steps to
take if you should become a victim of a financial scam and more. Register to Attend
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24
Where: Gurnee Police Department, 100
N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee
Questions? Contact Sandra Bankston at 847-377-3184
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Be
a part of history. Become an election judge
The Lake County Clerk’s Office is in need of
election judges for the upcoming presidential election! Election judges ensure
that the elections are fair and accurate by processing Election Day voters. Pay
is based on election training, skills and assignment. Call the County Clerk’s
Office at 847-377-2408 or visit their website to learn more. |
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Become
a couch potato voter. Vote by mail
Vote in the presidential election from the
comfort of your home! Registered Illinois voters can now request to receive a ballot by mail. Requests can be made at LakeVoterPower.info or by calling 847-377-2410. |
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 Forest Preserve News
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Celebrate Lake County's agricultural roots
Join the 24th
annual Farm Heritage Festival from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25 at Lakewood Forest Preserve in
Wauconda. Check out hundreds of antique
tractors, cars and other farm machinery as we celebrate Lake County’s rural
roots. Daily highlights include a tractor parade, sheep
herding demonstrations, scarecrow making, wagon and barrel train rides and a
petting zoo. |
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Dog park and horse trail permits reduced
When purchased through Nov. 30, dog park and
horse trail annual permit prices are half price. Reduced permits are valid
through the end of the year. Learn
more |
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Lake County Public
Works will begin fall hydrant flushing starting next week. Public
Works customers may notice a slight discoloration of the water after flushing.
This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. It is recommended
that you do not do laundry on the day that hydrant flushing takes
place in your area. View the hydrant flushing
schedule. |
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Every year, suicide claims the lives of 40,000 people and another 500,000 people
attempt it. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the National
Council is joining with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to expand its #BeThe1To campaign and emphasize the role everyone can play to take action and save lives.
Find
out how you can help someone who may be thinking of suicide.
Take action! Work with your
family and your community to develop an action plan, so you can be prepared if
an emergency should occur. To observe National Preparedness Month through
September, check out these resources that can help you plan. And watch this video to learn ways to get emergency information in Lake County. |
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The Lake County Jail and Health Department have launched a new
treatment option to help opioid or alcohol addicted inmates in the Lake County
Jail. Those eligible will begin receiving addiction treatment services through
the Health Department in the jail and after they are released. The Health
Department has committed to treating 15 inmates over the next six months. The
initiative is part of the Health Department’s newly expanded
Medication-Assisted Treatment program, which recently received a grant of
$325,000 from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Read news
release
 See
tracks? Stay safe!
Whether
you are a pedestrian or a passenger in a vehicle, stay safe around railroad
tracks and trains. Last year in Illinois, there were 140 railroad crossing
collisions involving motor vehicles. As part of Illinois Rail Safety Week,
Sept. 11 to 17, the Lake County
Sheriff’s Office will enforce traffic laws at various railroad crossings
and commuter stations to cite drivers and pedestrians who disobey the
laws. Police officers also will distribute literature on how to be safe
around trains and train tracks. Learn more
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 Apply to become
a Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy
The
Lake County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for reserve
deputies. The Reserve Deputy Unit is comprised of members who give back to
Lake County through community service in the area of law enforcement. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen,
and a high school graduate (or equivalent). Apply
today
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See Deerfield's public art program at open house
The Deerfield Fine Arts Commission will host a community open house Sept. 20 to showcase the 16 pieces selected for the third year of the Deerfield Public Art Program before they are put on display throughout the Village. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Road. Refreshments will be served. Details
Join Harvest Fest
Join
Harvest Fest all day on Sept. 24 in Deerfield. Begin the day at the farmers market as well as enjoy games, live entertainment and the annual touch-a-truck event. Then come back in the evening for free food, live music and Deerfield's
Annual Bags Tournament. Learn more
Provide your input. Take Lake Forest survey
Lake Forest residents are invited to provide their input and
rank the quality of life in Lake Forest including its characteristics such as
safety, education and natural environment as well as services such as police,
fire and stormwater management. The city conducts a survey every five years to
gain insight on issues and services. Learn more.
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