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 September 28, 2018
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Dear Neighbors,
Autumn, with
the kids back in school and the crisp weather, is an active time here in Lake
County. As you can read below, there is
lots to learn, a number of activities to join and opportunities to serve our
community—from joining the Sheriff’s Auxiliary, to Hike Lake County, to
preparing your family for an emergency.
I’m sure
you’ve read about the opioid crisis sweeping the United States. Lake County is no exception; at least twice a
week a Lake County resident dies of an opioid overdose. I hope you can attend the Oct. 2 event, which will raise money for the Naloxone Distribution Program and support the Lake County Opioid Initiative. Naloxone can reverse an overdose and give the person an opportunity to
break their addiction and improve their life.
I was an early supporter of training first responders to use naloxone, and as a member of the Lake County Board of Health, I’m proud of the steps we
have taken, but more needs to be done.
I’m very
excited about the Patriot Path Open House on Oct. 3. For many years, I’ve
been working with the communities along Route 137 to connect them to the
broader trail system. Details about the
Open House are below.
At the
September County Board meeting, we approved a purchase from the Kane County
Clerk’s Office of 80 ExpressVote (ADA Ballot marking) machines and 73 printers. Our 2003 machines are no longer produced, so
getting parts has been difficult. Kane
County offered some of its surplus machines at a 50 percent discount. Another action in September was amending the
Lake County Health Department Fee schedule to incentivize compliance with onsite
wastewater treatment. The inspection and
sampling fees have decreased, while penalties have increased.
At the Forest
Preserve Board meeting, we approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the
Village of Lindenhurst for a trail connection to Hastings Lake Forest
Preserve. This is at least the third agreement this year working with different units of government to create trail
connections. It has been wonderful
working with towns, park districts and individuals to create a more connected
Lake County.
On Oct. 23 and 24, the County will be having its budget hearing. As soon as a draft budget is available, I will
post a link to it on Facebook and include it in this newsletter.
The County
Finance Committee is working on proposals for procurement cards (P-cards). Again, I want to assure you that I have not
used this card for at least seven years. I
feel I can serve you without the need for a County credit card. The County’s
Transparency page provides a link to the County Ethics
Ordinance. Every office holder is
required by state law to provide the names and relationships that could be
potential conflicts of interest. Also on
this page is the compensation and benefits of elected officials and employees,
every vendor payment, the County’s check register and more.
Lake County’s Purchasing Ordinance adheres to state and federal laws
that require either Sealed Competitive Bids or Professional Services (see page
4 of the Ordinance Guide). Elected
officials are not involved in bid analysis or the selection process. Price-based contracts are awarded to the
lowest cost, responsible bidder.
However, as
proscribed by state and federal law, when hiring engineers, architects or land
surveyors, Lake County (and all units of government) MUST use a Professional
Service Selection process. This is a multi-step competitive, public process for
the evaluation of firms based on their experience and qualifications. This evaluation is done by trained staff
members and not by elected officials.
Learn more about the Qualifications Based
Selection process.
I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 21.
Also, make sure to like my Facebook page where you can get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 21. Remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!
Ann B. Maine
amaine@lakecountyil.gov
847-857-1732
Lake County Board, District 21
President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
As it has for the past decade,
Lake County has received the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” from the
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Lake County consistently
receives this annual award that reflects the County’s commitment to meet the
highest principles of governmental budgeting and shows Lake County satisfies
nationally recognizes guidelines for effective budget presentation. The award
demonstrates that the budget serves as a policy document, financial plan,
operations guide and a communications device.
The Lake County Board has a strong track record of practicing fiscal
responsibility. Lake County consistently has a balanced budget, and for 20
years has maintained a Triple A credit rating – the highest rating possible.
Lake County is one of only two counties in Illinois that have a AAA rating from
the rating agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, an achievement held by approximately 2% of the nation’s counties.
Also each year, an independent professional audit of Lake County’s finances
is completed. The audit firm of RSM US LLP recently issued a “clean opinion”
for the latest audit, which is the highest opinion available. The recent
audit, along with the credit rating and GFOA awards, collectively show Lake
County is financially sound.
 Learn life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid. Check your
insurance policies for hazards you may face. Know practical safety steps like
shutting off water and gas. As Lake County joins in observing National
Preparedness Month through September, work with your family and community to
develop an action plan, so you can be prepared if an emergency should
occur. Check out
these resources that can help you plan.
Learn How To Get Emergency Information
An emergency can happen in your community at any time. Prepare yourself and
your family for any emergency by seeking immediate and reliable information. Watch this video to
learn how.
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 The
Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal
Communications Commission, will issue a test of the Nationwide Wireless
Emergency Alert (WEA) which will be sent to all compatible cell phones on Oct.
3. Please note some older
cell phones may not receive the test message.
This test will be followed by a test of
the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which is made available to radio and
television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television
providers, and wireline video providers. The EAS test is scheduled to last
about one minute and will be similar to regular monthly EAS test messages. Learn more
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 Forest Preserves News
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Meet the Author: David Powell
Author David Powell will speak about the experience of Lake County soldiers in the 96th Illinois Infantry at Horseshoe Ridge, Chickamauga, during the American Civil War on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 3:30 to 4 p.m. at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Powell is the author of The Maps of Chickamauga, among many other titles. Learn more
Welcome REI
Our county’s first REI store opens today in Vernon Hills. The retail and
outdoor recreation services company has already forged a partnership with the
Lake County Forest Preserves. In addition to offering recreation programs in
various preserves, we are delighted to thank REI for its recent $20,000 grant
to support two public access projects. With these funds, and the help of Youth Conservation Corps crews this
summer, we extended an existing boardwalk at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods and stabilized the Des
Plaines River shoreline with
native wetland plants at the Wright Woods Canoe Launch at IL Route 60 in Vernon Hills.
REI is also supporting the LCFD Preservation
Foundation through a partnership with a
local brewery that is donating a portion of the proceeds from a new
limited-edition beer. You can stop by the grand opening at REI today and Saturday, Sept. 29 for a taste, and to check out the new
store.
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 Teacher Open
House
Lake County educators, learn about exciting programs and resources
for your class, tour the exhibitions and take part in guided teacher training
sessions with our education staff on Oct. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dunn
Museum in Libertyville.
Professional development credits will be available. Learn
more
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Free Senior
Museum Admission
Senior
admission to the Dunn
Museum in Libertyville is free for the entire month of October. Daily
admission for seniors (62 and up) is just $3 all other months and $1.50 on
Discount Tuesdays. Plan
your visit.
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 2018 Hike Lake County Challenge
Studies show spending time outdoors interacting with our natural world
makes us healthier, happier and more mindful. Activate the power of nature for
your good health by taking part in the annual Hike Lake County Challenge. Enjoy
fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated “Hike Lake County”
trails with family, friends or canine companions. Complete just seven of the
hikes by Nov. 30 to earn a commemorative shield. View this year’s
hike locations.
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 Let’s
Start a Movement
The
spread of invasive species is recognized as one of the major factors
contributing to ecosystem change and instability in our county, region and
nation. These species have the ability to displace or eliminate native species,
alter fire regimes, damage infrastructure and threaten human livelihoods.
Invasive species are changing the iconic landscapes of our nation. To
effectively control invasive species, removal needs to extend beyond the
borders of natural areas. The invasive species European buckthorn is currently
the most common tree in Lake County, making up more than 40 percent of our
canopy, according to a 2010 tree census conducted by the U.S. Forest Service
and The Morton Arboretum. It will continue to be an issue until the community
is involved: from private landowners to homeowner associations, golf courses to
garden clubs, businesses to school districts.
Want to join the
movement? We invite all Lake County residents to help eradicate buckthorn.
Several homeowners have already volunteered to help. Whether they have removed
buckthorn from their yard or are simply considering it, every resident who
participates will benefit the community. In the coming months we will
distribute resources to help assess your yard, plus tips to remove buckthorn,
landscape with native plants, and get further involved with this effort toward
an even more beautiful, healthy Lake County. Join
the movement.
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Enjoy nature? Want to learn something new? Visit our Nature Blog, and if you enjoy history, be sure to read the History Blog by Diana Dreske. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
You can also view a full calendar of Forest Preserve events for more information.
 One of the best
things about saying farewell to summer is looking forward to a fall festival in
Lake County. Enjoy autumn’s glows firsthand while heading to an Oktoberfest,
get spooked, pick out enormous orange fruits or get lost in a maze of maize.
View Visit
Lake County’s guide to the county’s fall festivals.
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 Be a part of the largest GO walk yet! Join this community event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. There will be guided walks as well as music and refreshments.
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 for children and adults. These events are open to all Lake County residents. Learn more
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 First 2018 Human Case of West Nile Virus
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is
reporting the first human case of West Nile virus in Lake County for 2018. A
Waukegan resident in her 60s became ill in mid-August. To date, 61 pools or batches of mosquitoes and two birds
have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2018. Learn
more, including the 4Ds of defense to protect yourself and your
family from mosquitoes.
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 National Recovery Month: Get
Immediate Help 24/7
Lake County prides itself
as being a leader in public health, working to enhance access to mental and
behavioral health services through partnerships between the Health Department and law enforcement
agencies, the work of the Lake County Mental Health Coalition, and addressing
the rapidly increasing opiate problem through the Lake County Opioid Initiative. There are many services
available 24/7 to those experiencing problems related to emotional and mental
illness or drug and alcohol addiction.
In recognition of National Recovery Month, we ask that you help
spread the word of these life-saving services. We've all been impacted in some
way by mental health and substance disorders. Let's make it known that
prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. Learn
more
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 An Epidemic Hits Home
Learn about the current state of the drug overdose
epidemic nationally, statewide, and in Lake County. Attend this
discussion titled, "An Epidemic Hits Home" Oct. 2 at the College of
Lake County, A-Wing lower level auditorium in Grayslake.
Resource tables will open at 6 p.m. Then at 7 p.m., join State's Attorney Michael Nerheim, members from the health department, County Board Interim Chair Carol Calabresa and others who will lead a discussion at 7 p.m. Learn more
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 Join Walk for Awareness and Suicide Prevention
Remembering.
Ending stigma. Saving lives. Join the sixth annual Walk for Awareness and
Suicide Prevention on Oct. 6 at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa.
There also will be a one-mile walk option. As part of the event, visit
information tables from Lake County agencies covering topics such as mental
health, physical health, counseling, aging and community services. Learn more
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Lake County Commits to Dismantle HIV Stigma
and Barriers for Treatment for Those With HIV
Fellow members of the Lake County Board and myself recently
approved a resolution endorsing the "Undetectable Equals
Untransmittable" (U=U) Consensus Statement issued by the Prevention
Access Campaign. This international health equity initiative aims to end the
dual epidemics of HIV and HIV-related stigma and affirms Lake County’s
commitment to dismantle HIV stigma and barriers to diagnosis and treatment for
people living with HIV.
To prevent new HIV
infections in Lake County, the Lake County Health Department’s Need2Know Lake
County program assists clients with HIV
testing, medical benefits
navigation, ART and PrEP
medication, adherence counseling;
and linkage to other health
services. Learn more
 Diabetes in Lake County
Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses blood
sugar or glucose and is the sixth leading cause of death in Lake County. The
good news is diabetes is preventable and can be controlled. Watch
this video to learn about a new resource created by Live Well Lake
County to teach you more about diabetes prevention and management.
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 Today is the final day that collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on any past due
fines owed in criminal and traffic matters in Lake County as part of Lake
County Amnesty Week. Full or partial payment
will be accepted either over the phone or at any of our branch court
locations. Learn
more
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 Seniors are cordially
invited to attend Senior Law Day on Oct. 12. Learn about elder law, scams
targeting seniors, and voting, and tour the new Court Tower! Hosted by the 19th Judicial Circuit
Court, this event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Lake County
Court Tower, 301 Washington St., Waukegan. Reserve
your spot.
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Stormwater Management Commission Seeks Two Fall Interns
The Stormwater Management Commission is currently looking for two
fall 2018 ravine interns who will spend most of their internship outside
collecting data for slope and channel erosion, locations of stormwater pipes
and discharges, and more. Applicants must be able to work primarily outdoors
within natural resource areas, (e.g., wetlands, ravines and streams),
occasionally be in the office, and be willing to engage in limited to
moderately strenuous physical activity. Today is the deadline to apply. Apply today!
 Sign Up to Receive Job News by Text
Lake County Workforce
Development is piloting a text-messaging service where you can opt in and
receive occasional text messages regarding employment events, paid internships
and more. You can opt out at any time. Sign
up now!
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 Join the Sheriff’s Auxiliary
Deputy Unit
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for
Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputies. The Auxiliary Deputy Unit is
comprised of members who give back to Lake County through community service in
the area of law enforcement. The unit assists other Sheriff’s Office divisions
as well as municipal police departments in times of natural and man-made
emergencies or disasters.
Applications are available at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 25 S Martin
Luther King, Jr. Ave, Waukegan, or at the Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputy website.
Applications are due by Sunday, Sept. 30.
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 Become
a Corrections Officer
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. Watch this video as Lake County Sheriff
Mark Curran explains the responsibilities of a corrections officer on a typical
day.
In order to attend the mandatory orientation and testing, your
application must be completed, and fees have to be paid by Oct. 10. Apply
today!
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Patriot Path Public Hearing
The Lake County Division of Transportation is currently conducting an engineering study for a 5.5 mile long bike path along IL Route 137 from the Des Plaines River Trail in Libertyville to the Robert McClory Bike Path in North Chicago. A public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Independence Grove. View the project website for more information.
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
 Recycle
Your Shoes at New County Locations
As you discover a growing pile of
shoes that no longer fit, don’t throw them away! Keep them out of the landfills
and recycle it all instead. As part of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's
Reuse-A-Shoe program, new locations have opened to bring your new and gently
used shoes including drop-off bins in Deerfield, Gages Lake, Port Barrington
and Vernon Hills.
Learn more about the Reuse-A-Shoe program, including all locations and what items are accepted. And, make
sure to learn about all of SWALCO’s recycling programs, including clothing and
textiles, household electronics and household chemical
waste.
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Battery Recycling
Batteries are also a
thorny topic for recycling. Alkaline
batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9v and 6v) are actually non-hazardous and can be
put in your regular trash. There are a
number of places such as Best Buy and many hardware stores that also collect
them. Find out more about battery recycling.
State law
prohibits the disposal of lead batteries (car, motorcycle, lawn tractor, backup
sump up etc) from being put in the trash.
These need to be returned to the place of purchase or a metal scrap yard
that will accept them.
 Semi-annual Hydrant
Flushing
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.
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 Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived County Board meetings anytime.
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Authors Out Loud
Cook Memorial Public Library sponsors Authors Out Loud, a series of conversations with authors about their books. The next event is Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 7 to 8 p.m. These are for adults. Registration is required.
First Friday's in Libertyville
First Fridays continue in Libertyville on Oct. 5. Gather some friends for an evening of music, food and shopping from 6 to 9 p.m.
Halloween Hikes!
Registration is open for the candle lit Halloween Hikes at Ryerson Woods on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a great event for all ages.
Learn about Year-Round Programs. Fitness, and More
The Deerfield Park District is sponsoring an Open House at the Sachs Recreation Center on Oct. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.
Family Day
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is having a Family Day on Oct. 7. Some programs require a fee, but others are free. The theme is Head in the Trees.
See Rapunzel Live
The Stevenson High School Foundation presents Rapunzel, a children’s theatre production on Sunday, Oct. 21. Tickets are $7 and performances are
at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Services for Seniors, Teens and Youth
Warren Township offers programs for seniors as well as a Teen After School center and youth services. Learn more about what they do.
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