October 2, 2019
Public Meeting
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Ethylene Oxide Town Hall Meeting
State Senator Melinda Bush will host a Multi-Agency Informational Town Hall on Ethylene Oxide on Wednesday, October 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the College of Lake County, Auditorium A011, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will present to the public.
Since November 2018, Lake County and its partners have been working to address concerns of EtO emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee.
More information can be found at www.lakecountyil.gov/eto

County News
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National Association of Counties
I am honored to share that I have been appointed as the Veterans and Military Services Committee member at the National Association of Counties (NACo).
NACo membership is a prestigious responsibility, it helps secure the county's future because the association works to ensure that counties have the resources, skills and support needed to successfully lead their communities into the future. Learn more
Tune in to Annual Lake County Board Budget Hearings
The Lake County Board will hold initial hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2020 budget on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. If needed, an additional hearing will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 18. During these hearings, board members carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget in November.
The budget hearings will be recorded and posted on lakecounty.tv within two days after the meetings. The hearings will also be televised on Comcast Cable, either channel 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and on AT&T channel 99 throughout the months of October and November. The public may also attend the budget hearings in person. The hearings will take place at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan.
A full schedule of board meetings and agendas, including those related to the budget hearings, can be found at this link.
Call 211 to Get Connected to Social Services
As of Sept. 24, anyone in Lake County who needs help finding health and human services can call 211 and get quickly connected to available resources. The 211 service, provided by United Way of Lake County, is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that will enable Lake County residents to get the help they need 24 hours a day, regardless of the language they speak or where they live. |
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When you call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 from anywhere in Lake County, you will be connected to an expert navigator who will guide you to critical health and human services, including counseling, housing and shelter, food programs, healthcare and mental health services, addiction and problem gambling support, transportation, and so much more.
The Lake County Board contributed a portion of the funding for the new 211 program, allocating $80,000 in video gaming revenue, which is generated from video gaming in the unincorporated areas.
Learn about all 211 Lake County services.
Lake County Coroner’s Office Earns International Recognition
Congratulations to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, which has become just the second in the state to receive accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. To earn the accreditation, Coroner Howard Cooper’s office went through a rigorous process, and documented and met 230 stringent standards ranging from administration and office set-up to autopsy procedures and crime and death scene protocols.
Kids Korner at the Lake County Courthouse
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Since opening its doors in the Lake County Courthouse 25 years ago, Kids’ Korner has provided a safe haven to more than 53,000 children involved in the court system. This free service for children ages 2 – 12 provides a safe and enjoyable waiting area for children who are in the Lake County Courthouse either to testify in court or whose parents or guardians are conducting court business. The children’s waiting room is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn more
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What Happened in Committees?
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Ethics and Oversight Committee
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Committee members discussed proposed changes to the ethics ordinance, creating a new Conduct section and clarifying complaint procedures for Board Members and Appointees. View 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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See Something Say Something
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The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Stand Strong Coalition are proud to announce a new initiative to assist in curbing of parties where underage drinking and drug use is taking place.
Stand Strong Coalition purchased a four-year membership to tip411 where members of the community can anonymously send a message if they have information of a situation where underage drinking or drug use is taking place. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is taking the lead in monitoring any submitted tips. Learn more
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Health News
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Protect Against Mosquitoes
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Do you have issues with mosquitoes in your backyard? Lake County Health Department Senior Biologist Mike Adam has some helpful tips for you! Watch the video
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Job News
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Job Fairs in October
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Looking for a job? There are many job fairs and career workshops to help you land your next job happening in Lake County in October!
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Healthcare Job Fair – Thursday, Oct. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lake County Health Department, 3010 Grand Ave. Waukegan. RSVP to reserve your spot. Learn more
Transportation Distribution and Logistics Job Fair - Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at University Center of Grayslake, 1200 University Center Dr. Grayslake. Learn more
Manufacturing Job Fair - Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.at College of Lake County, A- wing hallway, 19351 W. Washington Street Grayslake. Pre-registration required. Learn more
Grayslake Job Fair - Thursday, Oct. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Center of Lake County, Room 142, 1200 University Center Dr. Grayslake. Learn more
Manufacturing Month with Six Events
College of Lake County is celebrating Manufacturing Month with an array of events in October ranging from career talks, job fairs to counselors tours and more. Learn more about the events.

Forest Preserve News
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Public Input Requested
A Preserve With a View
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Picturesque Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest is one of only a few places in Lake County that offers free public access to Lake Michigan. A team of forest preserve planners, ecologists and educators have been continually working to restore the land and preserve and interpret its valuable ecosystems and rich human history. Learn more »
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Celebration of Souls Exhibit

Environmental News
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Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Wetland Mitigation Bank
The Lake County Forest Preserve is currently expanding and improving the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. As part of the work, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) constructed a wetland mitigation bank by returning former farm fields to a sustainable natural condition. |
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More than 25 acres of wetlands have been created, and a new section of path added that will be part of Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve’s path system. View pictures of the wetland mitigation bank and an aerial tour of the new bike trail!

Neighbors,
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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:
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National Association of Counties (NACo), Member of Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee and Veterans and Military Services Committee
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Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee
Lake County Domestic Violence Council
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Lake County Veterans Advisory Board |
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council
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Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member |
Waukegan High School Advisory Board
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Community Events and News
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 Zombie Wauk in Waukegan
Support the Waukegan Police & Fire Memorial Fund by attending Rocktober Fest on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8 to 11:45 p.m. at Austin’s Fuel room, 481 Peterson Rd., Libertyville. Enjoy live music, a 50/50 drawing and raffle prizes. Tickets are $20. Learn more
 Pine Dunes Walk-Rx for Health
Enhance your health and come for a 1-2 mile walk guided by naturalists and healthcare providers on Oct. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Dunes Forest Preserve, 42909 Hunt Club Rd., Antioch. The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. Children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. See full schedule
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 2019 Waukegan Halloween Trick or Treat Trail
Families will have the opportunity to interact with costumed characters, scenes and sounds along the Halloween Trial. The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bowen Park, 1899N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan. Costumes are encouraged. Children will receive treats. Learn more
Household Chemical Waste Event
Bring CFL bulbs, unwanted prescription, over-the counter medicines and supplements, household cleaners, gasoline, garden chemicals, pesticides, oil-based paints (no latex) and varnishes, as well as other household chemicals. On Saturday, Oct. 12 and Monday, Oct. 28 at 1311 N. Estes Street Gurnee. Appointments are required. Learn more
Early Childhood Essentials Conference
The public is invited to attend a free forum on “Early Childhood Essentials in Lake County,” featuring keynote speaker Geoffrey A. Nagle, President and CEO of the Erikson Institute, who will discuss brain science as it relates to early childhood development. The event is co-hosted by Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, and will take place Oct. 17 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Learn more
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