August 15, 2019
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Environmental News |
Final Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Results Received
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan received the final results from their joint outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan. The results are available to the public via the Health Department’s website.
The results have been sent to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a health risk assessment, and to the Illinois EPA (IEPA), which has regulatory authority over ethylene oxide emissions. The Illinois Department of Public Health will also conduct a cancer incidence study.
The Lake County Health Department has asked for an expedited health risk assessment and is urging the ATSDR, U.S. EPA and IEPA to send representatives to explain the potential health risks to our residents via a public meeting. Read more.
Recycle Electronics, Clothing and More at Recycle-O-Rama
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Bring household electronics, clothing, shoes, eyeglasses and hearing aids, stuffed animals and more to be recycled at Recycle-O-Rama from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Fremont Township Offices in Mundelein. Only household items will be accepted. Learn more.
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Transportation News
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Belvidere Road Resurfacing in Gurnee and Park City
The Illinois Department of Transportation began resurfacing and repairing curbs and gutters on Belvidere Road (IL 120) from east of the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 94) in Gurnee to Waukegan Road (IL 43) in Park City. The work will require daily lane closures and is expected to be completed by mid-November. Find out more.
Stearns School Rd and US 41 Intersection Public Hearing
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has scheduled a public hearing for the Intersection Improvement Study of Stearns School Road and US Route 41 in Gurnee. Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Seventh-Day Adventist School, 2190 N. Fuller Road, Gurnee.
The purpose of the Public Hearing is to present the Preferred Alternative to the proposed intersection improvement and gather feedback from the public. The study was initiated to primarily improve intersection safety, as this location has a high number of crashes as well as a high number of serious injuries. More information.
Health News
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month
As the upcoming school year approaches, make sure your children are up to date on their required vaccinations. Vaccines give you the power to protect your family against serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and pneumonia. Find a vaccine provider near you.
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County News
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Foxconn Development Subject of Congressional Field Hearing
In recent years, Lake County residents have been feeling the effects of the increased rainfall the county is receiving. Most notably, the July 2017 flood set records and caused millions of dollars in damage for residents and businesses. In addition to the higher trend of rainfall events the county is already receiving, the Foxconn development in Wisconsin has raised concerns surrounding the potential for worsening floodplain impacts. |
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On July 19, Congressman Brad Schneider held a Small Business Committee Congressional Field hearing that focused on the Foxconn development. Witnesses who testified included small business owner John During, Environmental Law and Policy Center Executive Director Howard Learner, and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) Executive Director Mike Warner. Warner focused his testimony on the Upper Des Plaines Watershed impact study SMC recently conducted, in particular, what the results from the study could mean for Lake County. Learn more about the Upper Des Plaines Impact Analysis. Watch the video.
Subcontractor Opportunity “Meet & Greet”
Lake County’s award-winning Job Order Contracting (JOC) construction program invites subcontractors interested in learning about doing business with Lake County to a “Meet & Greet” with County Officials and three local contractors associated with the program. Network and learn how to become a certified subcontractor through JOC on Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Central Permit Facility, 2nd Floor, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville. Learn more.
What Happened in Committees?
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Updating Zoning Code for Solar Energy
Lake County is working on several solar energy initiatives designed to increase the availability and use of solar power in the region. One such initiative is updating the County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with best practice-based regulations for solar energy installations in the unincorporated areas, which incorporates the recommendations of the Solar Energy Task Force convened by the County in spring 2019.
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The Planning, Building and Development Department (PB&D) presented recommendations for solar-related amendments to the UDO at the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee last week. The discussion covered amendment highlights, and no official action was taken. View the presentation.
Health and Community Services Committee
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The committee accepted over $160,000 in grants to help fund multiple programs, including Coordinated Intake, which provides services to pregnant women, Immunization Elimination of Disparities, Local Health Department Overdoses Surveillance and Response, and more. Watch the discussion.
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Watch All County Board Meetings
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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 board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
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Sheriff News
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K-9 Dax Places Top-Dog Honors at Regional Competition
Kudos to Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza and K9 Dax who recently brought home several regional titles after participating in the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region #19 Patrol Dog Trial.
At the event, K9 Dax completed his annual/national certifications in tracking, narcotics searches (rooms and vehicles), and cadaver detection. He also participated in a trial where he competed in the areas of obedience, agility, scent work (suspect and article searches), apprehension, and apprehension with gunfire. Learn more.
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Beware of Computer-Based Scams
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced an increase in reports of Lake County residents becoming victims of computer-based scams. Beware of scammers who are impersonating computer repair company employees claiming they “accidentally” deposited money into your account and then asking you to repay them in gift cards. Learn more.
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News from the State's Attorney
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Apply To Join Young Ambassador's Board
Applications are now being accepted for the Young Ambassador's Board through the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. The Young Ambassador's Board gives students who are interested in empowering their peers a pathway to perform community service for the betterment of all communities. Applications will be available throughout high schools for interested students throughout August. Learn more.
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Veteran News |
Veterans who served in any capacity from WWII to the present, as well as people who worked as civilian defense workers supporting war efforts, are invited and encouraged to register to be interviewed on Nov. 11 as part of the next Veterans History Project.
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Those who sign up will be interviewed by volunteers and have their oral histories recorded by official court reporters who will produce written verbatim transcripts. The typed transcripts will be archived at the Library of Congress, making accessible the personal accounts of American veterans so that future generations may hear directly from the soldiers. A copy will also be provided to the veteran. Learn more.
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Forest Preserve News |
Fred Fest Fundraiser
Growing Strong Students
Monarchs, Milkweed and Migration
Monarch butterflies across the Midwest will soon begin their migration south. Learn more about monarch life cycles, the importance of milkweeds and what you can do to help. The free event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Learn more »
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2019 History Symposium
The Dunn Museum in Libertyville is seeking proposals for presentations and posters related to this year’s theme: Prohibition in Lake County. Presentations should reflect the theme, such as organized crime, bootlegging, speakeasies and impact on local breweries. The deadline is Sept. 1. The purpose of the Lake County Symposium is to bring together those interested in the history of Lake County. Learn more »
Community Events and News
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 Suicide Prevention Training
Make a difference and help those who are at risk of suicide. Parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, and first responders are invited to attend a one-hour, FREE Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training to learn the warning signs of suicide and how to respond. Refreshments will be provided. Spanish interpretation provided by WPS60. Attend the upcoming QPR training event on Friday, Sept. 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Lake County Health Department in Waukegan. Register.
 Rx for Health: Walking in Nature
The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. Enhance your health and come for a 1-2 mile walk guided by naturalists and healthcare providers. Children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. See dates and locations.
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 Cooking 101
Children ages 7 to 12 can learn how to prepare different meals and learn about different food origins in Grandwood Park Park District’s “Cooking Around the World” program. Classes start Aug. 12 through Sept. 17 on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 36630 North Hutchins Road, Gurnee. Learn more.
Sounds of Summer
Listen to Bella Cain as part of the Gurnee Park District's Summer Concert Series from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Viking Park Band Shell, 4374 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. Learn more.
 Jr. High Night
6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to Jr. High Night at the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center on Friday, Aug. 23 from 7:15 to 9 p.m. Pizza dinner will be provided, and admission is $13. Learn more.
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