August 21, 2019
County News
|
Lake County’s Strong Financial Management Helps It Secure AAA Bond Rating
Lake County in 2019 has once again been awarded AAA bond ratings, the highest possible, by both Standard & Poor's Financial Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, two of the world’s largest credit rating agencies.
The high rating is important because it helps keep borrowing costs low and reflects a vote of confidence by financial experts in Lake County's strong financial management. The AAA rating has led to significant tangible savings for Lake County. The county will realize more than $7 million in savings on borrowing costs over the next nine years from replacing and reissuing two transportation bonds. Read more.
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 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
Requests for Watershed Management Board Funded Project Proposals
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is accepting requests for proposals for Watershed Management Board (WMB) funded projects for FY2020. Homeowner associations, water alliance groups, and community members can submit a project idea that can positively impact the community. The proposal submission deadline is at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct 4. Additional information.
What Happened in Committees?
|
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. |
|
 |
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
|
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.
|
|
 |
Watch All County Board Meetings
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Job News |
Lake County Job Fair in Lake Zurich
|
Experienced professionals and recent graduates are welcome to attend the Lake County Job Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Foglia YMCA, 1025 N. Old McHenry Rd, Lake Zurich. Employers are offering on-site interviews, so bring your résumé and dress to impress. Learn more.
|
|
 |
Transportation News
|
Adopt-A-Highway Open Enrollment
|
Volunteer with your friends, family or coworkers to help pick up litter and debris along Lake County highways and bike paths. Participants adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. Learn more, including the list of available sections and how to apply. Applications are due by Aug. 30.
|
|
 |
Sheriff News
|
K-9 Dax Earns 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.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
News from the State's Attorney
|
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 |
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. |
|
 |
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.
Health News
|
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
|
As the school year gets underway, 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.
|
|
 |
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.
Forest Preserve News
|
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 »
|
|
 |
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
|
|
 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.
 Deer Park Town Center Art Show
Save the date for the Deer Park Outdoor Art Show on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 20530 N. Rand Rd. The show will feature juried artists showcasing and selling fine art and fine crafts, along with live music and activities for kids. Click here for details.
|
 Celebrate Long Grove Irish Days
It's almost time for Irish Days in Historic Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd. Enjoy a celebration of Irish culture, music, food and drink on Saturday, Aug. 31, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The event includes a Gaelic Tent in Fountain Square and entertainment by top Chicago-area Irish musicians, singers and dancers. Click here for details.
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:
|
