New laws for 2017, Electronics recycling continues, Job news and More

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Bill Durkin, District 8

January 4, 2017

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Dear Neighbors,

I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email, or give me a call at 847-513-1736. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 8.


New Laws To Go Into Effect in 2017

A new year brings almost 200 new laws that have gone into effect as of Jan. 1. This includes sick time flexibility, more protection to bikers, and a law allowing drug court participants to use medication-based addiction treatments. See the complete list.

new laws 2017

Learn More About What We Do and How We Are Spending Your Tax Dollars Wisely

Lake County provides public safety and justice, delivers public health services, invests in transportation and public works infrastructure, holds elections, maintains important records, serves veterans, inspects restaurants, controls flooding, protects rivers and streams, and so much more! To learn more about what we do and how we are spending your tax dollars wisely, watch this video.

Budget video

Residential Electronics Recycling Program Continues in 2017

electronics recycling

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will continue its residential electronics recycling program through 2017. After voting at an emergency meeting in March 2016 to close its remaining electronics collection sites, the agency was later able to successfully secure contracts with qualified recyclers and will continue to operate the program with no direct cost to Lake County residents. See what electronics items you can bring to the collection sites.  

Lake County residents should continue to use the four collection sites in Highland Park, Grayslake, Grant Township and Cuba Township. Learn more about the collection site hours and locations.  


Provide Feedback about Travel Needs in Lake County

A Paratransit Market Study will soon be underway in Lake County to evaluate the range of available services, identify gaps in service relative to community needs, and recommend improvements.

Please join us at an upcoming community meeting to learn more. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. The meetings will be conducted in an informal, open house format so attend any time during a session. The same information will be provided at all four meetings.

  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2006 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach
  • 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 17 at Waukegan Township Park Place Senior Center, 414 S. Lewis Ave., Waukegan
  • 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at Libertyville Township Office, 359 Merrill Court, Libertyville
  • 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 19 at Wauconda Township Office, 505 W. Bonner Road, Wauconda


    Sign Up To Join the 2017 Point-In-Time Count

    point in time count

    Volunteers are needed for the 2017 Point-In-Time Count! We conduct a Point-In-Time count of both sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons to capture a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day. Join us at 10 p.m. Jan. 25 to interview and count unsheltered homeless persons living within Lake County. Visit the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless site to register as a volunteer, and watch this video to hear from some of last year’s volunteers.

    Be Prepared for Frigid Temperatures. Utilize These Warming Centers
    The Waukegan Park District reminds residents to stay safe during the winter frigid temperatures. Check out a list of warming centers available in Waukegan. Please remember to  check on the elderly, young and pets whenever possible. If medical attention is needed, call 911.


    As Temperatures Drop, Keep Your Animals Safe Too

    Low Cost - Pets

    As the mercury drops, the Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control Program reminds you to take precautions for your pets. Here are some tips to remember.

    • Limit the amount of time pets are outside when temperatures are below freezing.
    • Frostbite happens quickly. Watch for signs of hypothermia or distress, such as redness of the skin particularly around the ears, nose, and paw pads.
    • Keep pets away from harmful chemicals such as antifreeze or deicers that can easily become stuck between the paw pads.
    • Use caution with candles and space heaters as pets can brush up against them or knock them over, potentially starting a fire or causing injury to the pet.

    Check this to learn more tips to keep your pets safe this winter.

    Find Lost Pets on Health Department’s Website

    Residents can share information about lost cats, dogs or other pets on the Lake County Health Department's Animal Care and Control webpages. Every year, more than 1,000 dogs and cats get lost in Lake County. The pages are regularly updated. 


    Forest Preserve Logo

    Forest Preserve News

    snowmobile safety

    Snowmobile safety class
    A snowmobile safety class will be offered on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class is open to adults and children ages 11 and older. Passing the written exam at the end of the class allows youth ages 12 to 16 to operate a snowmobile on their own. Age 10 years and less than 12 years of age may operate under a parent or guardian's direct control. Registration is required. Learn more

    Hoot and Howl Hike
    Winter is a great time to listen for coyotes and owls, which are active year-round. Bundle up and learn about these amazing animals on Jan. 29 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Lyons Woods. The program is open to adults and children ages 8 and older. Dress for the weather and wear warm, sturdy boots. Registration is required. Learn more

    owl
    holiday tree recycling

    Holiday Tree Recycling
    Don’t send your Christmas tree to the landfill, drop it off with the Lake County Forest Preserves for recycling. Donated trees are chipped and used for trails and landscaping at forest preserves. Bring your tree to a drop-off site by Feb. 1. Learn more


    Job News

    job center

    Five Steps to Your Next Job
    Learn five steps to finding your next job including tips to research careers and more. The five-day workshop series will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 9 to 13 at the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee. Attend all five days to receive a certificate. Send an email to elocke@lakecountyil.gov to reserve a seat.

    Learn Steps to Earn A Commercial Driver’s License
    Do you want to become a truck driver? Attend an information session at noon Jan. 6, 13 or 20 to learn about training to obtain your commercial driver’s license. The information sessions will take place at the Job Center of Lake County in Waukegan.

    Find Inspiration for Your Own Success in Latest Newsletter
    Looking for inspiration?  Read the latest Success newsletter from Lake County Workforce Development.  It's packed with stories of job seekers and businesses who made the career connection during 2016.

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