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Happy Spring! It has been so nice getting to go on ice-free walks with my dog Pip lately. We are both watching to see the first flowers bloom. It has been quite a busy past few weeks. I learned so much about composting, reducing carbon emissions, recycling and rain gardens at the Green Living Fair. Purging pointless plastics was the main theme of the event. Thank you to the Libertyville Civic Center Foundation, Lake County Green Congregations and Faith in Place for sponsoring such an important educational event.
I was honored to be included in Congressman Brad Schneider’s Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at Cook Memorial Library. Over 20 veterans were honored for their service during the Vietnam War. Special recognition was given to Mundelein resident Steven Kaminsky, the recently deceased Commander of the Libertyville VFW for his many years of service and assistance in veteran’s programs throughout Lake County. Thank you to all service men and women for their service to our country.
I spent a wonderful morning with a group of students at Vernon Hills High School. They gave well-researched and thoughtful presentations on issues here in Lake County. The students studied the opioid crisis, unequal educational funding and food insecurity in our area, offered real solutions to these problems, and then applied for and received grant money to help sponsor those recommended programs. Thank you to teacher Ellen Macias for inviting me to be a part of your panel discussion. The dedication and passion for learning from you and your students was truly outstanding.
As part of my job as a Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), I learned that textile recycling is in heavy demand. It is estimated that nearly 85% of all clothing and textiles end up in landfills in the U.S. today. The EPA estimates that the average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. Textile and clothing waste is a significant problem in our country, but we can all make a big difference by dropping off our old clothes and fabrics for recycling.
SWALCO has establishing a new community-wide program where clothing and textiles can be collected for recycling. The program will accept new, gently used, used or unwanted/worn, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and textiles. All fabrics will be accepted. Even clothes or textiles with stains or holes will be accepted. The great news too, is that almost 95% of the materials collected will be repurposed or recycled. There are drop-off boxes at the Mundelein Park and Recreation Department, the Lake County Campus in Libertyville, and the Fremont Township office in Mundelein. View all the clothing and textile drop-off locations.
Please join me, Sheriff John Idleburg and fellow County Board Member Jessica Vealitzek for coffee and conversation from 10 a.m. to noon May 11 at the Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein in Meeting Room B. Hopefully, the trees and flowers will be in bloom by then!
Keep up to date on what's happening in Lake County and in District 15. It's easy to sign up to receive my newsletter. Text Lake Clark followed by your email address to 468311.
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Spring is here, so get ready for a busy road construction season in Lake County! The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has already started to work on a few of the 29 projects, investing nearly $134 million in road projects this year. This includes 22 new projects, including the reconstruction and widening of Weiland Road and intersection improvements at Hunt Club Road at IL 132 and Old McHenry Road at U.S. 12. Learn more.
Be in the Know! Connect with LCDOT
View our Interactive Construction Map to find the project you’re interested in and connect to important updates.
Use technology to get where you want to go! Check out Lake County PASSAGE to find real-time local traffic information and sign up to receive traffic alerts in your inbox.
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Voter Registration
Grace Registration is available through April 2 at any early voting site when open and at the voter’s assigned Election Day site. Applicants must meet all voter registration requirements, provide valid identification, and vote at the time of registration.
Vote Early
Early voting is available through April 1 at sites throughout Lake County. Find an early voting site near you by using this locator. Hours vary at the different sites, and some locations even offer weekend and evening hours.
Vote on Election Day
Those choosing to vote on Election Day, April 2 must go to their assigned polling location. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your assigned voting site.
Be A Voter
Cook Memorial Public Library has put together its Be A Voter 2019 election guide, which includes important dates, a sample ballot, local information and more.
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Learn about the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed (DPRW) Impact Analysis, which outlined concerns of increased flooding and negative impacts to the DPRW in both Wisconsin and Illinois due to development in the region. Also, the Lake County Board created a new Ad-Hoc Committee that will look for opportunities to consolidate local drainage districts to enhance government efficiency and provide cost savings, and introduced new budget policies that will make the County’s budget more transparent and easier to understand. Watch Video.
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Forest Preserve News
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Volunteers Lend Hands and Hearts to Help Forest Preserves Grow and Thrive
Helping with fishing camps, planting native gardens, monitoring wildlife and assisting at the Dunn Museum are just a few of the volunteer efforts performed by single individuals or groups. A total of 1,921 volunteers spent 25,910 hours in forest preserves throughout Lake County in 2018. Playing key roles in operations and public safety, habitat restoration, education and cultural preservation, the hours had a value of $674,000. Learn more »
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Lake County Public Works will begin its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program April 1. The expected completion date is April 26. Hydrant flushing enhances water quality because it removes any residue buildup in the mains. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. View the hydrant flushing schedule.
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Congratulations to the 2018 Lake County Stormwater Award winners! These individuals, communities, groups and organizations exemplify SMC’s core mission of flood damage reduction, water quality improvement, natural resource protection, and enhancement. Meet this year’s winners.
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Spring festivals in Lake County feature the most delectable eats, eclectic live music, radiant works of art and more. Check out Visit Lake County’s Spring Festivals Guide.
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Low-cost pet vaccination clinics provide a convenient and affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. The Lake County Health Department will begin its spring pet vaccination clinics on March 30. Only cash will be accepted on site. Find a pet vaccination clinic near you.
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Fremont School District 79 is teaming up with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in a new pilot program that will enhance school safety efforts when seconds matter. The program will focus on information sharing between County schools and the Sheriff’s Office. Through the partnership, the Sheriff’s Office will maintain an internal website which will provide live-video feeds of cameras within the school (for schools with installed cameras), aerial views of the school and surrounding area, floor plans of each school building, and other updates to first-responders in a critical incident. Find out more.
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Lake County residents who are unable to pay outstanding fees and fines may be eligible for Lake County’s Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program. This program will provide individuals an opportunity to reduce outstanding costs to get their licenses renewed or reinstated. To apply for the program, individuals must submit an application for waiver of court fees, personal information form, and their driving abstract by Friday, March 29. Find out more.
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Learn about 130 bachelor’s, graduate, and professional development programs available at the University Center of Lake County Spring Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. April 11. Meet program representatives to ask questions about curriculum and admission, discuss career paths, and find the right programs. Register today!
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Celebrate Seniors Festival
Enjoy entertainment, exhibits, a talent show, refreshments and more at the Celebrate Seniors Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. May 5 at the University Center of Lake County. The event is free to attend. Call ElderCARE at 847-406-4683 if you want more information.
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