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. |
|
 |
 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.
|
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. |
|
 |
A Paratransit Market Study will soon be underway in Lake County to evaluate transportation options for seniors, and those with disabilities. There are a variety of services currently available, such as Pace Dial-a-Ride or township programs, to assist this population in their travels to and from medical appointments, places of employment and other daily activities. This study will evaluate the range of available paratransit 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
 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.
|
 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. 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.
|
 Forest Preserve News
|
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 |
|
 |
 |
|
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 |
 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.
|
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.
 If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov.
I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be
interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my
bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Sign up for my mailing list
here” button at the top of the newsletter.
Thank you,
Mary Ross Cunningham
Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:
Lake County Board, 9th District:
Diversity and Inclusion Committee, (Ad-Hoc), Chair
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee, Vice Chair
Lake County Health and Community Services
Lake County Rules Committee
Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District:
Operations Committee, Vice Chair
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee
Other appointed positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo) Community and Economic Development Committee
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, Vice Chair
Lake County Board of Health Personnel Committee, Chair
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member
|
|
