Point-in-Time Count sees record high numbers, Join maple syrup hikes and More

view as a webpage

Mary Ross Cunningham banner

February 3, 2017

Red Subbanner

Point-In-Time Count Yields Highest Numbers on Record

Point in time count

75 volunteers. 17 teams. 26 people sleeping outside.

This year’s Point-In-Time Count yielded the highest numbers on record, going back to 2005. Volunteers found 26 people sleeping outside, and this number will grow over the next few days as volunteers continue to seek out individuals that need assistance. This event is one of many initiatives bringing people together to work toward ending chronic homelessness in Lake County. Help make a difference by connecting with the member organizations of the Lake County Homeless Coalition.


Share Your Ideas for a Better Lake County

As the County Board gets ready to update its strategic plan, we want to know what is important to you. Provide your feedback and help make our county even better by joining the next telephone town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 15. Sign up to receive a call.

You can also submit your ideas anytime through our “Community Voice” forum, and in Español

telephone town hall meeting

File Taxes for Free

As we begin a new year, tax season will be right around the corner. Individuals who earn $64,000 or less can self-file their federal and state taxes for free through a secure mobile-optimized website called MyFree Taxes. The website is provided in partnership with United Way and H&R Block. Individuals also can utilize a helpline at 855-MY-TX-HELP and online chat support with services available in English and Spanish by IRS-certified specialists. 


Signal Study Shows Reduction in Vehicle Delays, Fuel Usage

Signal coordination study 2016

In 2016, the Lake County Division of Transportation studied four travel corridors to look at signal timings during peak travel times in the morning, mid-day, and in the evening. The overall results of the study show that technology enhancements, adjusting the signal timings, and coordinating the signals through the Lake County PASSAGE system led to a reduction in vehicle delays (477.8 hours) and a reduction in fuel consumption (318.2 gallons) per day. Not only does this save money, approximately $3.1 million a year, but this also means less time stuck in the car and more time doing the things you want to do. An added benefit of the study was a reduction in CO2 emissions by 566 metric tons per year.  Learn more about the study.


Participate in Adopt A Highway

Don’t miss the chance to volunteer and help keep Lake County highways and bike paths clean! Today is your deadline to submit an application and adopt a section of a county highway that you and your group commit to cleaning twice a year. The Lake County Division of Transportation provides the equipment. You provide the manpower. Take a look at the available sections, fill out an application, and join the fun! Learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Adopt A Highway

Forest Preserve Logo

Forest Preserve News

maple syrup hike

Maple Syrup Hikes
Stroll through a maple woodland while learning about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods is one of few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Hikes will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. every half hour the last three weekends in March. Registration is required. Learn more

Volunteer at the Native Seed Nursery
Volunteers, including individuals, school, corporate and scout groups, donated more than 2,974 hours, equivalent to 1.5 full-time employees, last year at the Native Seed Nursery in Rollins Savanna in Grayslake. Many of the native grasses and wildflowers used in forest preserve restoration projects get their start at the nursery. Volunteers may propagate plants, plant plugs, maintain plant beds, and collect and process seed. Learn how you can get involved.

native seed nursery

Join the Next Citizens Police Academy

sheriff

See firsthand how the Lake County Sheriff’s Office maintains law and order for county residents by joining the next Citizen Police Academy beginning March 9. The 10-week program will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and is offered free to Lake County residents. Participants must be 21 years of age or older, be of good moral character, and have no felony convictions. 

Applications are available at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan and the Sheriff’s Office website. Submit your application by Feb. 24.  For information, contact Deputy Roman Buchberger at 847-377-4211.


Community News

Get free health screenings, check demonstrations at community health fair
Check out interactive exhibits and booths, exercise and food demonstrations, free health screenings and more at a community-wide health and wellness fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at the American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Admission is free. Learn more

College of Lake County Sponsors Black History Month events
A Feb. 11 Salute to Gospel concert and a Feb. 27 poetry and jazz event are among the activities hosted by the College of Lake County to honor Black History Month. The college invites the community to join the events at the college’s Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St., and in downtown Waukegan. Learn more

International film series kicks off today
Four highly acclaimed international films will be presented for free on Friday nights by the College of Lake County Center for International Education. View the spring semester film schedule.


Mary Ross Cunningham

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

Quick Links

Connect with Lake County

Open Gov/Board Meeting Agendas

Transportation 

Elections/Voting 

Job Center of Lake County 

Lake County Forest Preserves

Visit Lake County 

Lake County Partners 

Community Links

Waukegan Park District 
City of Waukegan 
Waukegan Public Library 
Waukegan Township