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Lake County has launched a new Open Data and Records Hub that makes Lake County government data easily accessible – and searchable — to a broad audience, including residents and taxpayers, enhancing transparency and accountability. Additionally, government employees can now access other departments’ data to help enhance services and drive efficiency. The Open Data and Records Hub centralizes a wide range of data in one place from property taxes and health and recreation to transportation and government contracts and agreements. This new tool allows users to search and discover PDF maps, web mapping applications and other datasets all free of charge. The existing datasets on the Hub will consistently be updated, and Lake County is exploring adding new information, including financial data.
 Voter Registration
It’s not too late to register to vote in the upcoming election! Grace voter registration is available during early voting now through Nov. 5 and on Election Day.
Vote by Mail
Skip the lines on Election Day by voting by mail! Registered voters must submit a required application form by noon on Nov. 1 vote by mail. Returning voted by mail ballots must be postmarked by midnight on Nov. 6.
Early Voting Has Begun!
Early voting is available now through Nov. 5 at 16 sites throughout Lake County! Find an early voting site near you by using this locator.
Hours vary at the 16 different sites, and some locations even offer weekend and evening hours. View dates, locations, and hours of sites.
Find Your Election Day Polling Location
Those choosing to vote on Election Day, Nov. 6 must go to their assigned polling location. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your assigned voting site.
For more information about the upcoming election, visit the Lake County Clerk’s November 2018 Election web page.
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Lake County voters will see a question on their November ballot that reads: “Shall the Illinois General Assembly amend the State Constitution to ban the creation of a new statewide property tax?” The Lake County Board approved placing this advisory (or not-binding) referendum on the ballot (by an 11 to 6 vote) earlier this year in response to reports that the State Legislature was considering enacting a statewide property tax to pay for obligations, such as state pension. The results of this advisory, non-binding referendum question will be shared with the state legislature.
 It’s that time of year when youngsters in great costumes go door-to-door in the neighborhood looking for some nourishing sugary treats! View trick-or-treating hours in Lake County, and create a great experience for your little goblins.
And, don't miss this fun holiday event too!
- Pooches are invited to don their best Halloween duds and join the Pet Costume Parade at noon Sunday, Oct. 28 in historic downtown Long Grove. Register today!
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In an effort to strengthen its already strong policies as it relates to purchasing goods and services, the Lake County Board is considering changes that will require vendors submitting proposals for more than $30,000 to disclose familial relationships with County employees. The Board already approved internal policy changes that require employees to annually review ethics and purchasing rules, and attest that they understand and agree to adhere to them.
The Board recently discussed a proposal that would require vendors submitting proposals to submit a “Vendor Disclosure Statement” disclosing the names of each owner/principal/officer of the company, along with those individuals’ immediate family members who are employed by Lake County. Purchasing officers will compare the statement with the staff members serving on the evaluation panel and verify that those employees are eligible to serve. The Board wants to discuss further how to broaden this and make this information more transparent. The Finance Committee will take up the item next month.
Mike Rummel, Chair of the Board’s Finance and Administration Committee, said, “We already have one of the strongest Ethics Ordinances that govern our process and protect against influence or impropriety. Our ethics standards set us apart from other local governments and they view us as a model. Still, there are examples of some other local governments doing additional disclosures, so we are considering adding these measures to enhance what we already do.”
The Lake County Board adopted Ethics Ordinance clearly outlines the ethical and legal standards that county officers and employees must follow while conducting county business. It also puts a process in place to reviewing complaints and gives the county administrator authority to administer disciplinary action up to and including termination.
 Each year, snow and ice removal professionals from the public and private sector attend Lake County’s deicing workshops to stay up-to-date on alternative winter maintenance practices and learn the importance of responsible road salt use. This year marked the 10th Annual Deicing Workshop, with over 160 attendees from various municipalities and organizations. As part of the training, attendees are offered the opportunity to take a test to earn a spot on the “Preferred Provider” list, which is available on our website. Watch this video to learn more about Lake County’s deicing workshops.
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 The Lake County Sheriff’s Office continues to receive numerous calls from the public stating fundraisers, identifying themselves as representing the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, are soliciting for donations/and or pledges via mailings and phone calls.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not make phone calls or send mailings soliciting money from the public. Learn more
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 A free, confidential county-wide referral service is one step closer to reality thanks to support from the Lake County Board. Residents will simply be able to dial 2-1-1 for personal assistance (much like they dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance). The United Way of Lake County is developing the new 2-1-1 service that will connect residents to various resources from shelter and housing options, supplemental food programs, services for veterans, health care, and many other critical services to help improve and save lives. The Board allocated $80,000 in video gaming revenue (which is generated from video gaming in the unincorporated areas) to the United Way of Lake County. The agency expects 2-1-1 to launch in spring of 2019. Watch this video as Lake County Board Member Steve Carlson explains what this service will do for residents in Lake County.
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 Help prevent substance abuse and theft by safely disposing your home of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the DEA for Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27. One of the drop-off locations this year is the Long Grove Fire Protection District. The service is free and anonymous. View all drop-off locations.
Remember, the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies also provide drug disposal boxes at locations across Lake County where your unwanted and expired prescription drugs can be disposed safely all year round. Find a drug disposal box near you.
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 Now is the time to get a flu vaccine and protect your family before flu begins spreading in your community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. The Lake County Health Department offers the flu vaccine by appointment at its Immunizations Clinic and Community Health Centers throughout Lake County. To make an appointment, call 847-377-8800.
The vaccine also is available at many sites throughout Lake County. Find a convenient location.
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Metra has reached an agreement with business and civic groups in Lake County to share the costs of a potential two-year pilot project for two new reverse-commute trains on the Milwaukee District North Line and to work on an agreement to share the cost of installing a universal crossover near Lake Forest, which would create additional opportunities for enhanced service. Learn more
Metra Announces No Fare Increase in 2019 Budget
Metra has proposed a 2019 operating budget of $822 million that does not include a fare increase. The public is invited to attend a series of public hearings to provide comments on the proposed budget. View the proposed budget and hearing schedule.
 Looking for a career in healthcare? Meet with healthcare employers and training professionals throughout Lake County at the upcoming Healthcare Job Fair! Register now to reserve your spot, and watch this video to learn more about the job fair.
When: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7
Where: Lake County Health Department, 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan
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Join public officials to learn about the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission’s study to assess Foxconn’s impact on flooding and water quality along the Des Plaines River watershed in Lake County. The Foxconn site is in the headwaters of the Des Plaines River Watershed, which is immediately upstream of Lake County and encompasses a major source of surface water.
When: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24
Where: Heritage Park Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling
 Forest Preserve News
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 Play in the Chili Golf Scramble at Countryside
Join this low-pressure 18-hole tournament at Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. Compete for prizes, then enjoy chili and beverages. Learn more »
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 Help Us Improve Accessibility
We are currently evaluating accessibility within our forest preserves, programs, facilities and communications to ensure people with disabilities can use and enjoy them. We invite you to attend one of three public meetings on Oct. 30, Nov. 1, and Nov. 3 to share ideas and provide feedback to help us improve accessibility within our agency. Learn more »
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 Tour the Dunn Museum
Watch this video to learn more about the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, from Forest Preserve President Ann Maine and Commissioner Carol Calabresa.
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Great Barrington Taste Fest
Treat yourself to a sampling from over 25 restaurants, microbrewers, wineries and distillers in the Barrington area. The Great Barrington Area Taste Fest will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Onion Pub & Brewery, 22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Learn more
Get A Handle on Tree Pruning
Pruning improves a trees strength and resistance to disease as well as its aesthetics and late fall and winter are the perfect time to prune your trees. Certified arborist Shannon Westphal will explain the principles and demonstrates this important task. The program will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Ela Area Public Library. The program is free. Register today.
Ela Township Employment Opportunities
Ela Township's Highway Department is taking applicants for two seasonal positions, snow plow drivers and a member of the landscaping crew. Learn more
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