New laws in 2018, Free recycling opportunities, and More

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January 5, 2018

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New Laws for 2018

new law 2018

The new year brings more than 200 new laws that have gone into effect beginning Jan. 1. This includes lowering the organ donor registry age, allowing motorists to pass bicyclists in a no-passing zone, and a new law that protects consumers who leave negative online reviews. See the complete list.


Government Reform and Accountability Commission Wrap-Up

The Lake County Commission on Government Reform and Accountability held its last meeting in December 2017. The bipartisan commission was created by the County Board to evaluate proposed government reform measures and will be reporting their key findings to the County Board for consideration. Some of their proposed recommendations include ideas for local government consolidation and independent redistricting. Watch this video to learn more. 

gov reform commission wrap-up 2017

Paratransit Market Study for the Lake County Region

A Paratransit Market Study is underway in Lake County to evaluate transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities, and the general public. Please join us for the second round of community meetings for the Paratransit Market Study. Lake County, in conjunction with the Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee (LCCTSC), is conducting this study to evaluate transportation options for county residents and to prepare an implementation plan to improve service. At the community meetings, we will provide an overview of the draft analysis of existing conditions and draft recommendations for service implementation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback and comments on these findings to help shape public transportation in Lake County.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 1 – 3 p.m.
Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 5 – 7 p.m.
Warren Township Senior Center, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee


The meetings will be conducted in an informal, open house format so feel free to attend at any time during a session. The same information will be provided at all meetings. Additional information can be found on LCDOT’s website.


Keep the Earth Clean in 2018

holiday tree

Stay Green after the Holidays
The holidays are over, but don’t throw those decorations away! Recycle your old and unwanted strings of lights for free! View the list of locations and what items are accepted.

Donate your holiday tree to the Lake County Forest Preserves, and we’ll recycle it into wood chips for trails and landscaping at forest preserves throughout Lake County. Bring your tree to a drop-off site now through Feb. 1.

 

Dispose Unwanted, Expired Prescriptions Safely
Dispose your unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs properly at disposal boxes across Lake County. The service is free! Find a drug disposal box near you, and learn what is not accepted.



drug disposal
clothing

Donate Clothing and Textiles
Donate your new and gently used clothing and textiles to be reused, along with worn or stained items, which will be recycled. There are several collection bins in Lake County to donate your women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. View accepted and unacceptable items


shoe

Reuse-A-Shoe
Donate new and gently used shoes to SWALCO’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Individuals or families with a few pairs can visit the drop-off locations. Groups or families who have a large number of shoes or who want to collect them can contact Merleanne Rampale at SWALCO at 847-377-4954 to set up a seasonal collection site or drive. View acceptable and unacceptable items.

 

Remember the R’s
Just as important as reusing or recycling is purchasing eco-friendly items, including those that contain recycled content.  There are numerous markets out there, and even your local retailer offers eco-friendly options. Visit SWALCO’s website to learn more.


County’s Mental Health Coalition Completes First Year of Work

Lake County is on the front lines of addressing the mental health crisis impacting our country and our communities. Over the past year, the Lake County Mental Health Coalition has been working diligently to study this issue at the local level and make recommendations on how to better serve this vulnerable population in order to maintain their health and well-being. Watch this video to learn more. 

MHC wrap up

Tax Credit for Victims of July 2017 Flood

flood insurance

Lake County property owners who sustained flood damage from the July 2017 flood may be eligible to claim an income tax credit worth up to $750 under a new law recently approved by the Illinois Legislature and signed by the governor. If eligible, the income tax credit may be applied to the resident’s 2017 Illinois income taxes. Learn more


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Forest Preserve News

lcfpd winter beauty

Experience Winter’s Beauty
Hiking across the snow. Tracing figure eights on the ice. Feeling the tug of a fish below the frozen water. Zooming downhill on a snow-packed surface. These experiences and more await winter outdoor enthusiasts at your Lake County Forest Preserves, where breathtaking scenery goes hand-in-hand with exercise and fun. Before heading out, check online for current trail, snow and ice conditions for sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.

 

Take an Evening Hike on Solar-Lit Trails
With small solar lights to guide the way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open after sunset until 9 p.m., daily, through March 11.  Learn more

 

lcfpd history symposium

Lake County History Symposium–Call for Papers
On April 29, the Dunn Museum (Libertyville) will host the fourth Annual Lake County History Symposium. The Symposium is open to the public and aims to bring together those interested in and actively researching the history of Lake County. This year’s theme is History from Objects. Proposals for presentations and posters are requested. Submissions are due on or before Feb. 1. Submit yours today.


Community News

Register Today for Daddy Daughter Dance
It’s time for the Grayslake Community Park District’s Annual Daddy Daughter Dance! Join a magical evening of enchantment, dinner and dancing from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at Maravela’s Banquet Facility, 4 Washington Ave., Fox Lake. Register by Jan. 15. Learn more.

Grayslake opens registration for can exchange program
Registration is now open for the 2018 Garbage and Recycle Can Exchange Program. Village of Grayslake residents opting to exchange their garbage and/or recycle cans may do so now through Feb. 15. Learn more

Save date for Frosty Footrace 5K
The Round Lake Area Park District's Frosty Footrace 5K will return Feb. 25. The event will return to its original format, a timed 5K run/walk with age group awards at the Sports Center. Learn more


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