 Welcome to the New Year! I hope you have been able to enjoy some of this beautiful winter weather. My dog Pip and I have been fortunate to be able to take many walks along our lovely Lake County Forest Preserve trails this month in addition to countless walks around the block. Discover a Forest Preserve near you!
It has been an exciting time on the County Board. Our standing committees are convening this week, and I have been working very hard on reviewing all the important work that Lake County does for its citizens. Learn more about these committees in the story below.
I am a member of the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee, which looks at infrastructure development, public transit, and bike lanes among many other things. With my background in economic development, I am looking forward to ensuring a strong infrastructure program for our area. I know how important good roads, bridges, public transportation options and bike lanes are to our area and will work hard to make sure that Lake County has strong infrastructure into the future.
I am also very proud to be a member of the new Energy and the Environment Committee. It is time for Lake County to have an overall plan for environmental efficiency and best practices. By using the most efficient processes we can often decrease our carbon footprint and also save money. We will also be investigating the use of renewable energies such as solar power. Cleaner air, water and soil is good for us all.
It is truly an honor to represent you on the Lake County Board. Please contact me with any questions or concerns that you might have. I enjoy meeting people in the community and speaking to groups, so also contact me if you would like me to come speak to your group or organization.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Clark
Lake County Board District 15
jclark@lakecountyil.gov
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County Board members will start the work of 2019 as standing committees convene this week for the first time since new members took office in December. The County Board has 10 standing committees. New this year is the Energy and Environment Committee that will focus on sustainability, as well as energy and environmental policy, and energy and environment legislation. The other change this year is that some committee meetings will take place at the Lake County Central Permit Facility in Libertyville, as well as Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Building in Waukegan. Previously, all meetings took place in Waukegan. View agendas for all committee meetings and listen to audio recordings. You can also sign up to receive notifications of all County committee and board meetings through the County’s Notify Me® tool.
More than 250 new laws have gone into effect in Illinois as of Jan. 1. This includes a new requirement for children to sit in a rear-facing car seat, background checks for ride operators, and expanded stalking laws to include messages via social media. View the complete list of new laws.
As individuals age, housing needs also change. Many homes were not built in consideration for older adults or multigenerational households, so communities are turning to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as “granny flats.” Learn more about ADUs and the impact they can have on older residents’ lives at the Granny Flat Academy.
When: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17
Where: Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville
 Homeowners are urged to test radon levels in their homes and apartments during the winter months, when indoor radon levels are at their highest.
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that naturally occurs in rock and soil and can seep into homes from the soil through cracks in the basement floors and foundations, crawl spaces, poorly sealed sump pumps, porous cinder block walls and other foundation floor and wall penetrations. Watch this video to learn ways to protect your home.
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 Zion Job Fair
Meet with more than 25 Lake County area employers who are looking to hire at the annual Zion Job Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Learn more
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 Lake County is Hiring!
Lake County is currently hiring a number of positions, including nurses, court security officers, counselors, physicians and more. View current job opportunities.
Professional growth opportunities, abundant career choices, jobs that provide variety and the chance to make a meaningful difference are just a few of the reasons Lake County employees love working for us.
Watch this video and see what makes Lake County a great place to work.
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 Interesting! By putting riffles, which are comprised of large rock, into streams, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is able to mitigate streambed and streambank erosion and enhance the natural drainage system in Lake County. Watch this video to learn more.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Earns Honor
Paul Hettich, a Lake County Forest Preserve ranger police officer, was recently honored for his military accomplishments. Hettich, a part-time ranger for 30 years, was selected as an Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 Veterans recipient. Hettich, an Army Reserve Officer, retired as a Colonel in the fall of 2017 after serving 30 years. Learn more >>
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Thank You to ComEd, Our 2018 STEM Education Partner!
Thank you to ComEd, our 2018 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education Partner! ComEd’s $20,000 grant allowed the Forest Preserves to hire an additional staff member in our education department – the ComEd Science Instructor – to expand our capacity to serve Lake County youth in 2018. Learn more >>
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 Winter Horizons Magazine Available Online
The 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 »
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