Lake County Court Tower to open soon, County job openings, and More

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Bill Durkin, District 8

July 18, 2018

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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Completion of New Lake County Court Tower

Court Tower Ribbon Cutting

I recently gathered with Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Jay Ukena, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, along with judges, fellow County Board members, elected officials, justice partners and others on July 17 for the ribbon cutting of the new Court Tower in downtown Waukegan. The ceremony also included the dedication of the Audrey H. Nixon Pedestrian Bridge.

The new eight-story, 200,000 sq. foot court tower houses 12 new courtrooms, jury assembly space, various administrative services and room for six future courtrooms. The tower construction began in June 2016 and will open to the public July 30, 2018. Find out more.
 


Mosquito Pool Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County

Mosquito protection

A mosquito pool (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 28 in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile presence in Lake County in 2018. Find out more, including who to call if you want to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus. 


Save on Prescriptions, Health and Dental Care

Lake County is one of many counties nationwide that participates in the National Association of Counties (NACo) Live Healthy Prescription, Health and Dental Discount program, which helps residents better manage the cost of prescription medications and health and dental services. There are no income requirements or age requirements, and it is open to residents with or without insurance. Residents have saved over $2 million on prescriptions over the past 13 years with this program! Learn more


Rx for Health: Walking in Nature

Rx for Health

Join a health professional and an educator on this 1.5-mile walk to explore the preserve as we improve our health. The walk will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 21 at Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan. The program is free, and no registration is required. The entrance is on Blanchard Road, west of Sheridan Road. Learn more


Gospelfest

Gospelfest 2018

Be inspired by Lake County’s gospel voices on July 29 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. This annual favorite feature choirs, solo performances and praise dancers that bring you to your feet. Children can also enjoy fun nature activities during the event. Learn more


Lake County Is Hiring

Lake County job openings

Lake County is currently hiring for a variety of positions, including nurses, counselors, maintenance workers, and court security officers. View the job openings!


What You Should Throw In and Keep Out of Your Recycling Bin

dirty jobs recycling center

Curbside recycling keeps so much out of our landfills, BUT did you know there are items that you should not put in your recycling bin such as plastic bags and Styrofoam containers? Watch this video, and get an inside look of the recycling process at the Waste Management Recovery Facility in Grayslake. *Note* You'll notice items like plastic bags get wrapped in the machines. Before you add items to your recycling bin, check these guidelines from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.


New Lighting to Help the Environment and Save Money

Lake County continues to look for ways to be more sustainable—both environmentally and economically. The Lake County Board authorized at its July 10 Board meeting to upgrade and install light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting at roundabout street lights and underpass luminaires. Over the past several years, the Lake County Division of Transportation retrofitted all existing traffic signals throughout the county with long-lasting LED lamps, and now they are looking at street lighting. LED lights reduce power consumption and keep ongoing maintenance costs low. Learn more ways that Lake County focuses on sustainability by visiting our Sustainable Lake County website.


Learn About New Revive Lake County at Open House

Revive logo

Join the Lake County State's Attorney's Office as they introduce Revive Lake County to the community. An open house will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. July 25 at the Waukegan Public Library. Revive Lake County is a program that focuses on preparing returning citizens for today's workforce. Learn more


Your Courthouse at Work

Your Courthouse at Work

Watch this edition of Your Courthouse at Work as Lake County judges share information about the guardianship help desk, bond court, and small claims court. Also, take an inside look at the first Annual Veterans & Family Services RUCK March and an update on new laws and changes at the 19th Judicial Circuit. Watch now.


Lake County Children's Advocacy Center Honors Its Partners

Advocacy Center ceremony

The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center is committed to providing a safe environment for child victims of abuse. The center wouldn’t be possible without help from community partners. Watch this video as the State’s Attorney’s Office took time to recognize these individuals.


 

Save the Date
The Lake County Opioid Initiative will be hosting its first Annual “Save a Life” fundraising event on Sept.  14 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Mundelein. Join us to support a significant cause and to continue our battle the against the opioid/heroin epidemic.  


Four Things to Know About Land Development Fee Schedule

Lake County recently evaluated the Land Development Fee Schedule for development in unincorporated Lake County, and changes went into effect July 2. Learn four things you need to know about these changes. 


Family Fishing

LCFPD Family fishing

Drop a line and see if the fish are biting. You could catch bluegills, largemouth bass and channel catfish. We’ll supply the poles, bait and tips on getting started. The program will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 26 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. A valid Illinois fishing license will be required for those ages 16 and older. This is a drop-in program, so no registration is required. Meet at the North Bay Pavilion. Learn more


Fort Sheridan Reopens with Lake Michigan Overlook

LCFPD Fort Sheridan opening

The Lake County Forest Preserves announces the reopening of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest with new and improved features that provide greater access to the site’s natural beauty and rich military history. Following more than a year of construction, visitors will once again be able to enjoy portions of the preserve’s scenic trails and access to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Improvements include:

 

  • Three scenic observation areas, including a 70-foot overlook of Lake Michigan, with new and relocated educational exhibits that tell the story of the area’s unique history and include new information about the Lake Michigan Bird Flyway. 
  • Nearly a mile of new accessible paved trails and conversion of the woodchip section of the Hutchinson Trail with new bridges and boardwalks.
  • Redesigned main entrance on Gilgare Lane, widened to a full two lanes, which leads to a new 45-car parking lot with five accessible spaces and an evaporator toilet building (an innovative waste disposal method that is odor free and saves water). 
  • Improved north parking lot with new paved trailhead and an evaporator toilet building.
  • Restored shoreline with native plantings.
  • Remaining portion of George Bell Road and gates removed and area restored with native plantings. 

 

Public access to the restored 1.8-mile mowed grass trail will remain closed until summer 2019 to allow time for the grass surface to become better established for foot traffic. Management and monitoring of the 73-acre woodland, prairie and savanna portions of the site will continue in perpetuity. Learn more

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