Buffalo Grove recycling event, Veterans history project, and More

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Sept. 13, 2017

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Dear Neighbors,

Veterans are once again invited to share their stories of wartime experiences on Nov. 10 at the Lake County Courthouse as part of the Veterans History Project. These stories will be recorded and archived at the Library of Congress. Civilians who were actively involved in the war effort also are invited to take part. Read the story below to learn more.

The recent flooding in Lake County as well as the hurricanes that have impacted many in this country remind us how important it can be to prepare for an emergency. Learn about the resources Lake County provides to help you stay safe, and check out our video to see tips on how to get emergency alerts.


Lake County Increases Minimum Legal Sales Age for Tobacco Products to 21 in Unincorporated Areas

The County Board has approved an ordinance to increase the minimum legal sales age to purchase tobacco products to 21 in unincorporated Lake County, effective January 1, 2018. Lake County is the first county in Illinois to raise the minimum legal sales age to 21 in unincorporated areas. To date, five Lake County communities including Deerfield, Highland Park, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, and Buffalo Grove are among 11 municipalities in the state of Illinois to adopt Tobacco 21 ordinances. Read news release.

Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States and is responsible for 480,000 deaths annually. In Illinois, 6,300 youth become new daily smokers each year. The Lake County Health Department provides FREE one-on-one and group counseling with a certified tobacco treatment specialist for adults looking to quit smoking or other their tobacco use. Learn more


Be the Voice to Stop Suicide

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth ages 15 to 24 nationwide. By understanding and knowing the warning signs, we can bring hope to those affected by suicide and change the conversation. As the nation observes National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 10 to 16, find out how you can play a role in preventing suicide.  

Lake County is committed to helping its residents maintain their mental health and well-being, creating the Mental Health Coalition in 2016 to address the mental health crisis. Those needing crisis care and mental health assistance can use the following services 24/7.

  • Individuals can speak anonymously to counselors 24 hours a day and get help by contacting the crisis call center at 847-377-8088. Information and referrals to Lake County Health Department programs are available.
  • Text-A-Tip is a 24/7 anonymous text-communication system for youth needing immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend. Download the Lake County Help app, available at the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Within the app, select the 24-7 Text-A-Tip hotline where you will send a message to a dedicated number and receive an immediate response from a licensed clinician while remaining anonymous. 

First Human Cases of West Nile Virus Found in Lake County

mosquito

The first two human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County for 2017 have been confirmed. Since 2002, there have been 60 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County, as well as two confirmed deaths. Residents are encouraged to stay active outdoors but to remember to wear insect repellent and take other precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Learn more


Shred Documents, Recycle Electronics at Buffalo Grove Event

The Village of Buffalo Grove will host a document destruction and electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16 in the parking lot behind Banner Plumbing, 151 Hastings Drive. Buffalo Grove residents are eligible to participate.


SWALCO News

eclipse glasses

Donate Your Eclipse Glasses
Do you still have the glasses you used to view the solar eclipse? Don’t throw them away! Bring glasses to one of four locations across Lake County now through Nov. 11 as the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is working with Astronomers Without Borders to bring these glasses and provide a first-hand science experience for schools in developing countries. Please do not donate scratched, broken or torn glasses.

Save the date for Recycle-O-Rama 
Bring household electronics, clothing, eyeglasses and hearing aids, bicycles and more to be recycled at Recycle-O-Rama from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 30 at Fremont Township. Learn more, including what items you can bring to recycle.


Lake County Recognized Nationally for Communication Efforts

Savvy awards

Lake County is delivering on its mission and values of operational excellence and transparency, and toward that goal, the County is being recognized for its outstanding communications achievements with three national awards. The County’s website (www.lakecountyil.gov) received a first place Savvy Award from the City, County Communications and Marketing Association (known as 3CMA) — the top award for overall website among local governments in the U.S.  The “Meet Mitch and Hitch” video also took home the first-place Savvy award for promotional video. This video features the State’s Attorney’s Office’s two facility dogs and showcases the meaningful work they do. Finally, for the “Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent” category, the “Vote Like A Couch Potato” marketing campaign won a first place Savvy. 3CMA received nearly 700 entries in various categories, and 3CMA volunteer judges from across the country reviewed entries and selected winners. 


Veterans Invited to Join Next Veterans History Project

Veterans history project

Veterans are invited to share their stories of wartime experiences on Nov. 10 at the Lake County Courthouse. The veterans’ interviews will be recorded and transcribed by official court reporters and then archived at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project. Civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts are also invited to share their stories. Learn more

 

Help Give the Gift of Warmth to Veterans

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Veteran’s Assistance Commission, several local law enforcement agencies and many local high schools to collect coats and outerwear for the Lake County Law Enforcement Veteran's Coat Drive. Donations will be taken now through Nov. 8 at County offices and at police departments throughout Lake County. View donation locations. The donated items will be delivered to Midwest Veterans Closet. 

veterans coat drive 2017

Sheriff's Office News

A Way Out

A Way Out
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has become a participating agency in the A Way Out program, working to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses by connecting individuals ready for rehabilitation to addiction treatment services. Deputies are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Watch this video to learn about this program. 

lock it or lose it

Lock It or Lose It
As Lake County sees a spike in vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to lock your cars and keep spare keys/fobs indoors. In fact, 90 percent of cars burglarized this summer had unlocked car doors. Remember to report suspicious activity by calling 847-549-5200 or 911.

Boating Safety Tips
Remember the following safety tips before enjoying the waterways during the final days of summer. 

  • Wear a life jacket. It's the law (for youth 12 and under).
  • Boat operators born after January 1, 1998 must take and pass a boating safety course validated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and hold a valid boating safety certificate before they can operate a motorboat with an engine over 10 horsepower.
  • Check all required safety equipment and make sure it is in good working order.
  • Learn more about boating safety.

July 2017 Flood Update

flood

On Sept. 1, Governor Bruce Rauner sent a request to the president of the United States asking that he approve federal assistance to help people in the northern Illinois region, including Lake County, recover from record flooding and severe storms in July.

Recently, joint assessment teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reviewed damage in the four counties. If Gov. Rauner's request for Individual Assistance (IA) is approved, people in the approved counties would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. Affected businesses also would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans. Find out more.

Residents May Be Eligible for Building Permit Fee Waiver
Unincorporated residents who were impacted by the July 2017 flood are eligible for building permit fee waivers for any flood-related repairs, for example, electrical service, furnace or water heater replacements.  Residents in unincorporated Lake County can contact the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department at 847-377-2600 for questions and application requirements.


Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead! You Can

emergency alerts

The recent Lake County flooding and hurricanes impacting many parts of the country all remind us of the importance of coming together as a family and community to prepare. As we observe National Preparedness Month this month, learn tips to help you prepare.

Lake County also has a variety of resources to help you prepare for an emergency. Alert Lake County is your emergency preparedness resource, and watch this video for tips to get emergency alerts


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Forest Preserves News

Middlefork Savanna Sept 2017

Bridge Connects Middlefork Savanna to Local Trails, Parks
At around 1:30 am on Sept. 9, the Lake County Forest Preserves began installing a 221-foot steel pedestrian bridge over the Metra Railway to connect trails at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve to Lake Forest Academy and Townline Community Park. Watch video of installation. Other project elements include a scenic overlook, 10-foot-wide paved trails, and crosswalk improvements at the intersection of IL Route 60 and Academy Drive. View project map. This project is part of a larger effort to connect Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve and the Middlefork Trail and Greenway to the Des Plaines River Trail at MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa.

The Lake County Forest Preserves is pleased to be working with the following partners and donors to make this project possible: City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein. The Forest Preserve is the lead agency responsible for administration and coordination of the project and 60 percent of the local funding for construction costs. The Forest Preserve also secured federal funding for the project through a grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Learn more

 

lcfpd strategic plan

Strategic Plan Update
In 2015, the Chiwaukee Prairie Illinois Beach Lake Plain (Lake Plain) was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty for protection of exemplary wetland systems around the world. In June, the Lake Plain received added recognition by the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Wetland of Distinction. This publicly and privately protected ecosystem connects 14 different community types along Lake Michigan in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. Our partnership in this restoration project supports two of five strategic directions to help us achieve our 100-year Vision for Lake County. Learn more

 

Nippersink Forest Preserve

Connecting Trails: Nippersink Forest Preserve
Previously a seasonal retreat for camping and recreational vehicles, this preserve is now a year-round haven for people and wildlife. Visitors enjoy trails, picnicking, birdwatching, and nature observation. Century-old oak trees that rise above two scenic lakes, woodlands, wetlands and marshes offer plentiful habitat for wildlife. Extensive shoreline restoration efforts and improved fish habitats make Nippersink a great place to fish. Anglers can fish from shore or from two wheelchair accessible fishing piers.

The Lake County Division of Transportation is constructing a new multi-use path along Cedar Lake Road that will connect existing trails at Nippersink to the new path. This trail connection is part of LCDOT's project to reconstruct Cedar Lake Road from Route 120 to Nippersink Road. Completion of the entire project is expected by the end of 2018. View closure mapLearn more


Public Works Begins Fall Hydrant Flushing

hydrant flushing 2017

Lake County Public Works has begun its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program. After hydrant flushing, customers may notice a slight discoloration of the water. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing to avoid clothes to be stained. 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


Sidney Mathias

As always, I welcome your feedback. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 20.

Thank you,
Sidney Mathias 

Mr. Mathias, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:

Lake County Board, 20th District:
Ad Hoc Legislative Committee, Co-Chair
Ethics and Oversight Committee, Vice Chair
Planning, Building and Zoning Committee
Public Works and Transportation Committee  

Lake County Forest Preserves, 20th District:
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee, Chair
Planning Committee,  Vice Chair
Rules Committee 


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