Summer is around the corner, and there is so much to do right here in
Lake County. In this video,
get a sneak peek inside the new Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee and find out all of
the “Must-Do’s” in Lake County this summer. Also, learn how tourism is big
business with more than 10,000 tourism-related jobs and adding more than $1
billion to our local economy annually. Watch now.
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Boating
is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as
the area has over 170 lakes, rivers and waterways to visit. Check out BoatingLakeCounty.com as your resource,
including maps of all the county’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining,
upcoming events and more. |
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The boom of cannons, the crack of rifles and the galloping of horse
hooves welcomes you at the annual Civil War Days encampment. Wander the camps
to see soldiers, civilians and tradespeople at work. Watch as union and
confederate forces collide in battle. A large-scale battle can be viewed on
both Saturday and Sunday. Visit the 1863 Summer Fair, meet President Lincoln
and shop Civil War-era vendors. Kids enjoy period crafts, games and more.
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Whether you’re looking for a parade, live music and delicious food
or a spot to set down your blanket and watch the fireworks, Lake County has
lots of ways to enjoy Independence Day. Here are some local
celebrations to check out.
- Beginning June 30 through July 4, join Six Flags Great
America in Gurnee at July 4th Fest. Learn
more
- Waukegan's American
Independence Parade will take place July 1, following Sheridan
Road north to Greenwood Avenue. Then, join the city in celebrating our
independence at the fireworks display, which will be shot off July 4 near
the water plant over the harbor. Good spots to see the fireworks include
the harbor area and several places along the beach front.
- Be a part of the Great Lakes Naval Base's Fourth of
July celebration on historic Ross Field from 3 to 11 p.m. July 3 and 3 to
10 p.m. July 4. Celebrate our nation's independence with fire-cracking
festival fun. Learn
more.
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About 1.1 million people in the United States
have HIV, and one in seven of them don’t know it. Knowing your HIV status is
important for your health. The Lake County Health Department offers HIV
testing, as well as counseling, education and support to those living with HIV.
Visit the health department's website or call 847-377-8450 to schedule an appointment.
“Fight the Bite” this summer and protect yourself and your family
from West Nile virus, an illness spread by mosquitoes. The Lake County Health
Department and Community Health Center says to follow the 4
Ds of Defense to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to
protect yourself from bites.
Since 2002, there have been 64 confirmed human cases of West Nile
virus in Lake County as well as two confirmed deaths. The Lake County Health
Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program collects mosquitoes in traps around
the county and tests them weekly for West Nile virus. Visit the Fight
the Bite website to find more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus.
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It’s time to lace up your walking shoes and GO
Lake County! Founded by the Gurnee Park District in 2016 and adopted by Live
Well Lake County, GO Lake County is a walking initiative that promotes healthy
and active living. Over 15 park districts and communities across
the County have partnered to create programs and events for children and
adults. These events are open to all Lake County residents. Visit the new GO Lake County web
page and navigate
the map and calendar to find a walk specific to your area. If you take a
picture at a GO Lake County program, share your photo!
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Lake
County, along with the Lake County Opioid Initiative is working to combat
the increasing opiate problem. Hear from Lake County State's Attorney Michael
Nerheim and Bill Gentes, who talk about what is being done to combat the opioid
epidemic and learn about programs such as prescription drug disposal boxes and
the “A Way Out” program, which are part of the county-wide effort to prevent
opioid abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. Watch Now
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Those who struggle with substance abuse now have two more locations they
can go to seek help 24/7 as part of the “A Way Out” Program. With the additions
of Waukegan Police Department and Lake Zurich Police Department, there are
now 13 “A Way Out” police entry points in Lake County. Individuals, who possess
narcotics or paraphernalia, enter a participating police department and tell an
officer they are requesting help will avoid criminal charges as long as the
participant seeks assistance. Learn
more
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Sheriff’s
Office Warns of Misleading Telemarketers
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received calls from the
public stating telemarketers are identifying themselves as calling on behalf of
the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and soliciting for donations and/or pledges. The
Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not make phone calls soliciting money from
the public. If you would like to report the call, contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal
Investigations Division at 847-377-4250.
Jury Duty Scam
The 19th Judicial Circuit
Court’s Jury Commission received notification of several occurrences where a
male identifying himself by phone as a Lake County Deputy Sheriff tells residents
they had failed to appear for jury duty and need to proceed to the Lake County
Courthouse in Waukegan immediately. Residents were told that they had failed to
appear for Jury Duty and needed to proceed to the Lake County Courthouse in
Waukegan immediately. Once at the Courthouse, they were instructed to call the
Deputy Sheriff stating that they had left their residence. Remember
these precautions to protect yourself.
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Reginald C. Mathews of Lindenhurst will become the next Associate Judge of the
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit after receiving the majority number of votes cast. Mathews fills a vacancy that is the result
of an additional associate judgeship that was granted to the Nineteen Judicial
Circuit by the Illinois Supreme Court. Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Senior Series: Gardening with Native Plants
Discover the benefits of using native plants to create habitat for local birds
and butterflies at this program on June 27. Plant selection and identification,
habitat requirements and maintenance will be discussed. A tour of the
Welcome Center's native landscaping will follow an indoor presentation. Learn more
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Annual Fund Spotlight
When you give to the Annual
Fund, you help us do more. The Preservation Foundation board
recently approved a $24,000 grant from the Annual Fund to monitor the
population and health of Blanding’s turtles this summer–data that directly
strengthens our ongoing Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program. Learn
how you can help.
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Did
you know solicitors seeking door-to-door purchases or orders are required to
comply with a County Board adopted ordinance when working in unincorporated
Lake County?
Door-to-door salespeople must carry a solicitor’s certificate
while on the job and are allowed to work only between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. If
a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see the certificate before conducting
any business. You may report unregistered vendors to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by calling 847-549-5200.
This ordinance applies
only to unincorporated Lake County and provides exemptions for religious
groups, candidates, and minors under age 18 who participate in fundraising
activities. If you live in a municipality or village, check with your local
officials for your specific ordinances. Learn more
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Enjoy
Music in Waukegan
Check out the
Waukegan Public Library's summer concert series from noon to 1 p.m. every
Friday through June, July and August in the library's front courtyard. Concerts
are free. View
the concert line-up.
Also, enjoy Music at Washington Park, featuring the Chi-Town Soul from 6 to 8
p.m. tonight. The concert is hosted by the Waukegan Park District.
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 “Newsletter Sign Up" 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 Government Reform Implementation Committee
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 Waukegan High School Advisory Board Lake County Veterans Advisory Board
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