The state of Lake County is strong. The Lake County Board continues to deliver on its mission of providing exceptional, financially sustainable services that promote a safe, healthy and economically strong Lake County. 

In this State of the County video, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor provides a look back at the progress we are making to advance our strategic goals and looks ahead at the priorities for this year. 

Congratulations to Sharanya Pastapur, an eighth-grader at Lake Zurich Middle School North, and Anmol Dash, an eighth-grader at Daniel Wright Jr. High School, who were declared co-winners after competing for more than 30 rounds in the Lake County Final Spelling Bee Competition. Both competitors will travel to Washington D.C. to compete in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. Watch this video to learn more, and view all this year’s Lake County competitors.

After spending more than a year relocating its vast historic collections and building brand-new exhibitions from scratch, the Lake County Forest Preserves announces the opening of the new Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, in Libertyville. Dedicated to sharing the entwined stories of people, events and nature, the Dunn Museum provides a chronological walk through Lake County’s history from prehistoric times to the present and invites visitors to explore the land where it happened.

The Dunn Museum uses a balance of authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, reproductions and audiovisual displays. Permanent exhibitions include Prehistoric Lake County, The First People, An American Frontier, Innovations and Preservation and Woodland Theater. A Special Exhibition Gallery will host temporary exhibitions, traveling exhibitions and staff-curated exhibitions on topics touching on art, history and popular culture. Each gallery includes an interactive touch screen that directs visitors to different forest preserves to see firsthand where history took place. Galleries also include fun animations narrated by Bill Kurtis, Chicago’s legendary television journalist, that tell stories about Lake County’s past. Visit the Dunn Museum today.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is now hiring Corrections Officers. Take pride in serving your community, enjoy working in a team environment, receive training to further a successful career path, and receive great benefits while working for Lake County's largest law enforcement agency. Apply today!

Have you seen the “Blue Kids” posters across Lake County? As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lake County is joining social service organizations, park districts, libraries, townships, businesses and more to raise public awareness of child abuse. Visit the Blue Kids Lake County Facebook page to learn more.

Did you know 84 million Americans have prediabetes, and you might be one of them? Prediabetes means you’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Find out if you’re at risk by taking the test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. As you can see, It takes only a minute! 

Celebrate Earth Day by checking out these family-friendly events across the county.

• The Forest Preserves are celebrating Earth Day (April 22) with a week of free nature programs April 16 to 22. Enjoy Acoustic Bat Monitoring, a Guided Nature Paddle, a Woodpecker Walk and more. Locations vary based on program. Learn more. 
  
  

• Enjoy a day of fun, free outdoor activities as Lindenhurst celebrates Earth Day from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 21. The celebration will include a 5K run and walk, recycling opportunities, a Concert for the Earth, an Earth Day kite fly and more. Learn more
  
  

• Join the first Earth Day Expo from noon to 4 p.m. April 22 at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Participate in the Cardboard Challenge, enjoy face painting, music and more. Learn more
  
  

• Enjoy a recycling experiment, scavenger hunt, music, recycling opportunities and more at a free Earth Day and Recycling event from 1 to 3 p.m. April 22 at the Dunbar Recreation Center in Mundelein. Learn more

For more information on actions you can take to make a more sustainable Lake County, visit sustainablelakecounty.org.

Forest Preserve News

Rainbow Trout Season Opens
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda has opened for rainbow trout fishing, following the release of trout in Banana Lake. Most of the trout range in size from three-quarters to one pound. The trout stocking is a biannual fall and spring event at the 3.2-acre Banana Lake. Daily creel limit is five. The deepest point in Banana Lake is 25 feet. Learn more

Independence Grove Beach Season Passes 
Get unlimited access to the swimming beach at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, -- including participation in Family Fun Friday games and prizes –– with the purchase of a 2018 beach season pass now on sale to Lake County residents. The pass allows holders unlimited use of the 400-foot sand beach that runs along the South Bay of Independence Grove's 115-acre lake. Purchase yours today!

Join the Youth Conservation Corps
Remember, the deadline to apply for the Youth Conservation Corps 2018 crew member position is 4:30 p.m. April 27. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer program designed to employ youth ages 16 to 18 in natural resources, construction, and park maintenance projects. Crew members will be chosen via lottery on April 28. Apply today!

In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and their families. To learn more, visit the Veterans Assistance Commission website, and sign up for their monthly newsletter.

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.