Discontinuing Lake County Board members’ use of Purchasing Cards (P-Cards) is one of many recommendations made by the Lake County Board’s Rules Committee and approved by the full Board.

The Rules Committee recently met to review its Rules of Order and Operational Procedures, as is traditionally done following an election and the Board’s reorganization. The Committee approved several measures related to Board spending, including travel, technology, and mailings.

The Board also has created a new Energy and Environment Committee to focus on sustainability and the impact of climate change, the County’s carbon footprint, as well as energy and environmental policy and energy and environment legislation.

Watch this video as Rules Committee Chairman Paul Frank explains more.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is looking for your feedback about the condition of the state’s transportation infrastructure. IDOT is responsible for maintaining federal and state highways in Illinois. That means in Lake County they are responsible for state routes like IL 22, IL 132, IL 60 and IL 120 – and federal highways like U.S. 45 and U.S. 12. Take the survey!

State, regional and local officials recently gathered to discuss Lake County transportation needs at the Lake County Transportation Alliance (LCTA) annual meeting. A major focus of discussion was improving the quality of life in Lake County through a multi-modal transportation network that provides mobility and economic opportunity for all. Watch this video to learn more.

This holiday season, remember what you should do on the road so you and those around you arrive safely to your holiday destination.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a safety campaign now through Jan. 3 to make drivers aware about the dangers of impaired driving as well as enforce live-saving seat belt, speeding and distracted driving laws. Follow these life-saving tips!

As family and friends gather for the holidays, flu activity is increasing. It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine.  There are many myths about the flu vaccine. Watch this video as Jennifer Gassman, a nurse practitioner at the Lake County Health Department tackles some common myths.

The Lake County Health Department offers the flu vaccine by appointment at its immunization clinics and community health centers across the county. Many doctor’s offices, retail locations and pharmacies also offer the vaccine. To find a location near you, use the vaccine finder.

Attention high school students! The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office is inviting Lake County students to enter an essay contest focused on ending violence perpetrated against women.  Essays incorporating the themes, Rise, Resist and Unite will get top consideration. Essays are due by Jan. 3. Learn more

Over 30 top engineering firms will be under one roof to connect with students in various engineering fields at the third annual Lake County Engineering Internship and Job Fair. The event will run from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. Learn more

CLC Opens New Science and Engineering Building
Community members as well as business and government leaders recently visited the College of Lake County’s new $28.3 million Science & Engineering Building, which supports the latest in science and technology education while having several environmentally friendly features. The state-of-the-art building features labs for chemistry, mechatronics and photonics, and includes rooftop solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, LED lighting, and a green roof. Find out more.

Forest Preserve News

Winter Horizons Magazine Available Online
winter issue of our Horizons magazine is now available online. Horizons is the quarterly publication of your Lake County Forest Preserves, featuring articles on wildlife, nature and history, news, and a calendar of programs and events. You can also subscribe to receive our free magazine in print form. Read it today »

Celebrating the Illinois Bicentennial 
As the Illinois Bicentennial celebration comes to a close, hear Raupp Museum curator, Debbie Fandrei discuss artifacts from the book 200 Objects That Made History in Lake and McHenry Counties. Then view a number of these artifacts on display in the Special Exhibition Gallery. Thursday, Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Learn more »

New Year’s Celebration
Join us on Thursday, Jan. 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville to learn how people around the world celebrate the start of the new year with crafts and activities. For families with children ages 12 and under.  Learn more »

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
Vice-Chair, Lake County Board

Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:

Lake County Board, 9th District
Law and Judicial, Chair
Diversity and Inclusion, Chair
Health and Community Services
Rules

Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District: 
Operations 
Rules 

Other appointed positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo), Member of Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee 
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council
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