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

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. 

Visit the Farmers Market

Farmers Markets are in full swing with summer bounty. Find one near you. 

Forest Preserves News

Fort Sheridan Reopens with 70-Foot Overlook of Lake Michigan

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

Rx for Health: Walking in Nature
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

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

Gospelfest

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

Green Youth Farm Thrives, Thanks to Donors
Early summer lettuces and kale, beans and squash are ripening at the Green Youth Farm in Lake County, thanks to donors to the Preservation Foundation. Among the farm’s supporters in 2018, we are pleased to thank Lake Forest Bank & Trust and Libertyville Bank & Trust. The company’s $10,000 grant helped provide a paid summer job for North Chicago and Waukegan high school students, who sow, tend and harvest fresh, healthful food as they gain valuable work experience. Learn more

Events in the Plaza

The Events in the Plaza outdoor concert series runs through Aug. 7. at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The entrance fee of $6 per car after 5 p.m.

The 90th annual Lake County Fair returns July 25 through 29 at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake. Check out new attractions including the Timberworks Lumberjack Show and family activities presented by the Illinois National Guard. Returning favorites include truck-and-tractor pulls, demolition derby, 4-H exhibitions, and more. Visit www.lcfair.com for more information. 

Lake County Responding to Hunger Food Drive and Touch A Truck Event

Transportation and Public Works employees from Lake County, and many of the surrounding communities are collecting food to feed our hungry neighbors. We are partnering with the American Public Works Association Lake Branch, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and the Lake County Sheriff's Office for a county-wide food drive! All food donations will be delivered to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a huge Touch A Truck event with all the participating agencies. 

Admission to the July 24 event is free, but you are invited to bring non-perishable food items to participate in the food drive. Bring the kids to see all their favorite big trucks up close! Learn more


When: 9 a.m. to noon July 24
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake

What To Keep In and Out of Your Recycling Bin

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.

Special Electronics Recycling Collection

Lake County businesses, schools, churches, non-for-profits and units of government are invited to bring broken and unwanted electronics to be recycled at a special collection event from 8 a.m. to noon July 24 at the Lincolnshire Corporate Center West parking lot, 300 Knightsbridge Parkway. 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County provides free opportunities for residents to recycle electronics through a network of drop off locations. However, State law limits these locations to accept only residential electronics. Learn more, including what items will be accepted.

Recycling Your Metal

Outside of food containers, you probably generate some metal waste such as old tomato cages, the filing cabinet you don’t need or other odds and ends.  There are a number of places in Lake County that accept this waste. I keep a reusable grocery bag in my garage and toss in the small pieces of metal until I have enough and then go to the recycling location near me.  Find metal recycling near you. 

2018 Water Quality Reports Available

Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the County. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water systems they own and operate. These reports describe the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Visit the water quality reports web page to read your report. 

Children's Advocacy Center Honors Its Partners
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.