I recently joined fellow members of the Lake County Board to thank more than 300 people who serve on various County Board appointed boards, commissions, and other special purpose units of government. This ranges from drainage and fire districts to the transportation service boards, human services boards and the Board of Review. These dedicated volunteers make decisions and deliver services that our families and businesses depend on every day. Watch this video to see more from this event.

There are opportunities for residents to serve their communities in an appointed leadership role. Those interested are encouraged to view the County Board's website. 

Start Your Job Search the Right Way
Are you launching a new career in the new year? Learn some of the hottest growing fields in Lake County and how the world of work is changing at a workshop, “Career Trends for 2018.” The program will run from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 27 at the Job Center of Lake County in Waukegan. Reservations are recommended. Learn more

Engineering Internship and Job Fair
Don’t miss a unique chance to interview with Lake County’s top employers in engineering, med-tech, automation, biopharma, precision manufacturing and more at the Lake County Engineering Internship and Job Fair. The fair will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 5 at the College of Lake County. Learn more

Zion Job Fair
Bring your resume and dress for success as the Job Center of Lake County holds a job fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Zion Benton Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave. A total of 20 employers are expected to attend. Learn more

Who's hiring in Lake County 
There are many job opportunities across Lake County, including several in our area. Visit the Job Center of Lake County's website to learn about upcoming recruitment events.

Illinois has nearly 7,000 local governmental entities --  more than any other state. Lake County has more than 200 local government units and the County Board is taking steps to consolidate or dissolve those districts (that it has control over) in order to enhance efficiency, accountability, and cost-savings. Chairman Aaron Lawlor explains in this video, and learn more by reading the Consolidation Action Plan.

Lake County PASSAGE: View Camera Images from Major Intersections
Did you know that you can look in on the road conditions from your computer or mobile device before you hit the roads? You have access to the PASSAGE cameras which means you can look at real-time snapshots from major intersection, like this image taken last winter. Go to LakeCountyPASSAGE.com, turn on camera images in “Layer Options” at the top right, find intersections along your route, and check road conditions in each direction.

Other Resources:
LCDOT Snow Season Story Map: This interactive mapping tool explains everything you need to know about our snow and ice removal operations.

Don’t Crowd the Plow: Watch this to learn valuable safety tips. Give plow drivers space to do their jobs, and we can all get to our destinations safely. 

Ask A Snow Plow Driver: You asked your questions, and our plow drivers answered! Hear directly from them about what they see on the roads, and the challenges they face when clearing the roads for you. If you have additional questions, you can submit them here: Ask A Snow Plow Driver.

Build an Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle
You may have an emergency supplies kit for your home, but what about your vehicle? Make sure to keep a shovel, blankets, booster cables, and these other items in your car this winter. 

Forest Preserve News

2018 Summer Camps
Registration for our 2018 camp season is now open. Early bird discounts are available through February 15, 2018. Programs fill quickly so enroll early. Register online or call 847-968-3321. 

2018 Annual Permits
Annual permits for dog parks, horse trails and more are now on sale. Find information and purchase permits online or call 847–367–6640. 

Middlefork Bridge and Trail Connection Now Open
The Middlefork Bridge and Trail Connection is now open. The new bridge connects 4.5 miles of trails at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve in Lake Forest to the Lake Forest Academy and Townline Community Park and provides trail users a safe passage over the Metra Railway. Other new elements include a scenic overlook and crosswalk improvements at the intersection of IL Route 60 and Academy Drive. This project is part of a larger effort by several organizations to connect Middlefork Savanna and the Middlefork Trail and Greenway to the Des Plaines River Trail at MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa. We are pleased to have worked 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. View Map.

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, Chair 
Lake County Health and Community Services 
Lake County Rules Committee, vice chair 

Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District: 
Operations Committee, Vice Chair
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee
Gospelfest Committee, chair

Other appointed positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo), Board Representative
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, secretary
Lake County Board of Health Personnel Committee, Chair
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member
Lake County Domestic Violence Council
Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee