Board takes action on government reform, April 4 election, Senior freeze outreach sessions, and More

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Aaron Lawlor, Lake County Board Chairman

March 31, 2017

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Lake County Board Takes Action on Government Reform and Directs Funding to Gambling Addiction Services

The Board approved two significant actions at its March meeting, one that approves a half million dollars to support people with gambling addiction and other behavioral health issues, and another that creates a commission on governmental accountability and reform.

Lake County collects a portion of the revenue generated from video gaming in the unincorporated areas of the county. Consistent with its policy to allocate those funds to support social programs, the Board approved $545,000 in grant funding to several local agencies for gambling addiction and other behavioral health services. 

The Board also took action to create a bipartisan commission to evaluate proposed reform measures and report on key findings that enhance accountability to the public, provide for an effective and responsive government structure, maintain strong professional and ethical standards, as well as redistricting reform to mitigate political influence. The group will consist of community members, elected officials, faith leaders, major political party representatives, and other advocates of good government. The action is in response to proposed State legislation that would require a referendum for voters to decide whether they support a countywide elected chairman--fundamentally changing Lake County’s current structure where the Chairman is selected by county board members every two years. Learn more


April 4 Consolidated Election

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The April 4 Consolidated Election gives Lake County residents some real voter power as they will be electing their local mayors, presidents, supervisors, clerks, commissioners, alderman, councilmen, and assessors. Also on the ballot will be park, library, and school board district candidates along with eight public questions.

Voter Registration

Grace voter registration is available at all early voting sites, which are open now through April 3 as well as at the assigned Election Day voting site and the County Clerk’s Office on April 4. Registered voters are encouraged to log onto LakeVoterPower.info to confirm their registration records reflect their current name and address. 

Voting Options

Early voting
Early voting will run through April 3. Vote at any early voting site regardless of where you live. View the early voting sites, dates and hours.

Election Day
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 4. Use the polling place locator to find your assigned voting site.

Preview your ballot
Registered Lake County voters can preview their ballot at LakeVoterPower.info after logging in to confirm their registration status.

Get up-to-date election information by visiting the County Clerk’s website as well as by following the County Clerk’s Office on their Facebook page and on Twitter.


Upcoming Senior Freeze Outreach Sessions

The Chief County Assessment Office and Lake County Township Assessors Association offer help to senior citizens ages 65 and older who want to complete the 2017 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application for taxes payable in 2018 as well as assistance to taxpayers who may qualify to apply for other homestead exemptions. Attend an upcoming outreach session where residents can work one-on-one with a staff member to complete the necessary forms. The Senior Freeze Application is due by July 7. 

Visit these local outreach sessions: 

  • 9 to 11 a.m. April 7 at the Regent Center, 1200 Regent Drive, Mundelein
  • 1 to 2 p.m. April 13 at the Vernon Hills Village Hall Senior Center, 290 Evergreen Drive
  • View all upcoming outreach sessions

Health News

Current status of mumps in Lake County
On March 7, the Lake County Health Department announced an official mumps outbreak after the third case of mumps was confirmed at Barrington High School. The Health Department continues to monitor suspected and probable cases of the disease in the county. The Health Department will regularly be updating its mumps web page, where you can find the current status of mumps in the county, information about mumps, and helpful resources related to mumps. 

Low Cost - Pets

Spring pet vaccination clinics begin April 1
The Lake County Health Department will offer spring pet vaccination clinics starting April 1 at locations across the county. These low-cost clinics provide a convenient, affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. Learn more about the clinics and all upcoming dates.


Water Hydrant Flushing Program Begins April 3

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Lake County Public Works will begin its semiannual water hydrant flushing program April 3. After flushing, you may notice a slight discoloration of the water. You are urged not to do laundry during flushing periods in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. It is recommended to run cold water for several minutes to clear your pipes. View the schedule.


Behind the Bars: Lake County Sheriff Spends a Week in the Life of a Corrections Officer

Behind the bars

Lake County Sheriff Mark C. Curran recently completed a five-week corrections officer training at the Lake County Jail and then was responsible for a 60-inmate pod for five days. Watch this video to learn more about his experience and the responsibilities of a corrections officer on a typical day.

Sheriff's Office warns of telephone scam 
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of residents receiving fraudulent telephone calls from individuals falsely representing themselves to be from the Sheriff’s Office and serving the caller with a collection notice to collect money. Residents should be aware the Sheriff’s Office never calls to solicit money for any reason. Find out more


National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Lake County States Attorney banner image

Please join the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on April 4 at the College of Lake County A wing lower level auditorium in Grayslake. The resource fair will run from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and the program will follow. This year’s theme of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week reflects a vision for the future in which all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing. 


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Forest Preserve News

Trout season opens April 1
Banana Lake at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda opens for rainbow trout fishing on April 1, following the release of roughly 500 to 600 rainbow trout. For details and a free fishing guide, visit LCFPD.org/fishing.


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rx for health

Move more in April
Every April, the American Heart Association celebrates physical activity and encourages all Americans to commit to being more active on a regular basis. Your forest preserves are the perfect place to hike or stroll while improving your health. Join an Rx for Health walk, bringing together naturalists and health professionals for guided tours of some of Lake County's most breathtaking scenery. Learn more


Girl-Wise Conference

Girl-Wise Conference

Junior high and high school girls, parents, and role models are invited to join the annual Girl-Wise Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 8 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. This annual conference offers the girls an opportunity to attend workshops that promote creativity, healthy bodies, healthy minds, and taking charge of their lives. Watch this video to learn more, including how to register. 


Education News

University Center

University Center honored for its college outreach program 
The University Center of Lake County recently received the Innovative Initiative Award from the Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education for its First Generation College Outreach Program. This program works to help strengthen students’ path to college by collaborating with schools, businesses and public libraries across the county. Learn more about the program.

Apply for scholarships awarded by Illinois Counties Association
The Illinois Counties Association is taking applications for its 2017-18 scholarships. Applications must be completed online before midnight April 28. Eligibility is limited to applicants who live in counties that participate in the Nationwide Retirement Solutions 457 program, of which Lake County does participate. Learn more about the scholarships and the application process.


Community News

Hawthorn Woods to hold Bark in the Park
Dogs are welcome to gather with family and friends at Community Park in Hawthorn Woods for the Village of Hawthorn Woods' Bark in the Park event. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon April 8. Dogs can play with other friends, and families are invited to meet vendors available. All participating dogs are encouraged to have current influenza vaccine and must be leashed. Learn more

Join Mundelein's Latino Citizens Police Academy
Mundelein residents interested in learning more about the Mundelein Police Department and how it operates are invited to join Mundelein’s Latino Citizens’ Police Academy starting April 6. Classes will meet at 7 p.m. Thursdays for 10 weeks, culminating with a graduation ceremony on June 8. The department has offered this Latino Citizens’ Police Academy since 2013. Learn more

Save the date for Vernon Hills' Arbortheater concerts
Concerts will be held from 7 to 9 p.m Thursdays starting June 22. The Village of Vernon Hills' Arbortheater is at 50 S. Fariway Drive, north of the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex. Concerts are open to the public. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and picnic basket and enjoy! See the 2017 Vernon Hills Arbortheater schedule.


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