August 16, 2019
You're Invited
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Attend the Road to Reinstatement Milestone Celebration
Those who lose their driving privileges due to unpaid fees often have a hard time obtaining or maintaining employment so they can support themselves and their families. As fees accumulate over time, it makes it very difficult for these individuals to get back on the road. Join me and the Lake County Board as we celebrate a major milestone in the Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program. This program provides qualified individuals an opportunity to reduce these outstanding fees and fines so they can get their licenses renewed or reinstated.
The celebration takes place the morning of the court call, marking the most important step toward driver’s license reinstatement for participants in the program.
When: Friday, Aug. 30 at 8 a.m.
Where: Lake County Building Lobby, 18 N. County St., Waukegan
Transportation News
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14th Street at Dugdale Street to Close for Roundabout Construction
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has closed 14th Street at Dugdale Street in the North Chicago/Waukegan area. The closure will last approximately 90 days while the existing four-way stop intersection is converted to a roundabout. When the road reopens, motorists will be driving through the new roundabout. Learn more about this project and view the detour routes.
Environmental News
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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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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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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.
Foxconn Development Subject of Congressional Field Hearing
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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.
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.
Veteran News
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Veterans Are Invited to Join Next Veterans History Project
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 |
Growing Strong Students
Fred Fest Fundraiser
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 »
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Neighbors, |
I thank you for taking the time to read the latest edition of my e-newsletter. I encourage you to check out the community news and events listed below. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov.
Thank you,
Mary Ross Cunningham
Vice-Chair, Lake County Board
Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:
| Lake County Board |
Lake County Forest Preserves |
Law & Judicial, Chair |
Operations Committee |
Diversity & Inclusion, Chair |
Diversity & Cultural Awareness, Vice Chair |
Health & Community Services |
Rules |
Rules |
Latino Coalition, Representative |
Other Appointed Positions:
| National Association of Counties (NACo), Member of Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee |
Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee |
Lake County Veterans Advisory Board |
Waukegan High School Advisory Board |
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member |
Lake County Domestic Violence Council |
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council |
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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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 2020 Census Resources for You
The 2020 Census provides an opportunity for everyone to be counted. The results of the 2020 Census can help shape the future of your community. And there are many ways for individuals, businesses, community organizations and others to play a part:
Progress on Homelessness
Make a difference and learn how to partner with organizations to help end homelessness in Lake County. Come to Waukegan City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for a presentation on homelessness in Waukegan, hosted by the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless. Learn more.
Waukegan to College
Parents can help their children who attend Waukegan public high schools stay on the path to college. Download CReaTe, a new app that provides free information about standardized testing dates, important financial aid information and more. The app is available in English and Spanish. Learn more.
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