December 6, 2019
County News
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2019 Housing and Community Development Grant Recipients Recognized
Each year, a combination of federal and local dollars is awarded to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other entities, which is used for housing and community development in Lake County. In 2019,
the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) awarded $3.7 million to 27 recipients.
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The grants will be put toward projects that focus on improving Lake County, making it a place where residents of all income levels have the opportunity to live, work and thrive. (Pictured at right: Lake County Board Vice Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham presenting a check to representatives from the Greater Waukegan Development Coalition)
Board Authorizes Agreement to Bring Solar Power to Government Buildings
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Lake County Board
authorized a Solar Power Purchase Agreement that will advance a project to install solar panels at ten Lake County-owned facilities and to set the final electrical rate for solar power at these sites. This agreement is part of a joint effort led by Lake County to bring solar power to municipal-owned facilities.
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In total, 36 sites owned by seven municipalities are slated to get solar power as part of this process. This is an example of how shared efforts with other local governments can help reduce costs—in this case by securing the best electrical rates possible.
Board Approves Funding for Projects to Mitigate Flooding
Lake County residents may soon see some relief from their stormwater issues as the Lake County Board
approved additional funding for the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget. The funds will support multiple projects throughout the county and will have a significant impact in helping to alleviate two of the county’s biggest problems--stormwater runoff and flooding. |
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Over the past few years, Lake County has experienced stronger and more frequent rainfall, and an increase in flooding. In 2018, Lake County rivers went above flood stage during six separate storm events, and this year exceeded
flood stage seven times. Because of this, stormwater management projects have become critical. SMC's capital improvement plan will enable SMC to prioritize,
design and construct the most beneficial and regionally impactful projects while improving conditions in flood-prone areas. The plan will be focused on three improvement areas: surface water/flood mitigation infrastructure, flooded
property buyouts, and stream maintenance. Read more
Hedents to the Help They Need
Since launching earlier this year, United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline has responded to more than 2,000 needs requests from Lake County residents and connected them to vital health and human services, including housing and
emergency shelter, mental health services, assistance with utility bills, referrals for legal assistance and more. |
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This free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service provides a convenient way for everyone in Lake County to get connected to help, regardless of the time of day, the language they speak, or where they live.
The Lake County government contributed a portion of the funding to get 211
started. You too can help sustain 211 by donating through Dec. 10 to United
Way’s GivingTuesday campaign. All new or increased donations up to $5,000 will be matched by the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County. Learn more and give
Volunteer to Make an Impact on Lake County Homelessness
You can join the fight to end homelessness in Lake County. Every January, the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless (LCCH) conducts an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. Volunteers are needed to interview and offer assistance to people experiencing homelessness in Lake County. |
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The information gathered captures a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day, helps coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, and provides organizations with the information needed to end homelessness. This year’s PIT Count will be Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Learn more and apply to volunteer today.
Want to make a difference but are not able to attend? Please consider donating items from LCCH’s Amazon wish list. Anyone found experiencing homelessness during the PIT Count will be given a care package with much needed items such as warm socks and gloves. All donations, big or small, leave a huge impact.
Environmental News
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Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Results Received
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan
have received initial results from the second phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.
The second phase of outdoor air monitoring in Lake County began Oct. 26.
Samples are being collected from 12 sites every third day during the 90-day period, which will end in January 2020. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is funding the monitoring. The results have been forwarded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and
IEPA which has regulatory authority over EtO emissions permitting in Illinois.
Learn more
What Can Be Recycled? Check out SWALCO’s New Guide
Confused about what you can put in your recycling bin? SWALCO is here to help. In partnership with Recycle by City, it has launched a new interactive online guide that lets you search the town you live in, learn what materials are accepted, and help you recycle correctly. Knowing what to recycle and what to put in the trash will help cut down on recycling contamination, which puts a burden on recycling plants.
“SWALCO has a responsibility to assist our residents and businesses be better recyclers, reduce contamination rates and make our recycling plants more profitable in the process,” said Walter Willis, SWALCO executive director.
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“We believe this new website content will provide recyclers with the detailed knowledge they need about what can and can’t be recycled, and in the end reduce the confusion the general public has about how to recycle in today’s more complicated packaging environment.Learn more
Transportation News
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New This Winter: Track Snow Plows In Real Time!
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Motorists can now check the progress of snow and ice removal on all 26 of LCDOT's snow plow routes through Lake County PASSAGE. See the
direction each snow plow is heading, its current speed, and more. You can even view the latest road
conditions through snapshots taken from each plow, which are updated every three minutes. Watch the video
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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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Job News
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Looking for a job? There are many recruiting events and job fairs to help you land your next job! Click on each link below for full details.
Lake County Engineering Internship & Job Fair
Attention college students: Set yourself up for success this summer while you’re home over winter break!
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Top engineering firms such as HydraForce, Flex, Culligan, and MacLean-Fogg will be under one roof looking to connect with students in various engineering fields.
In one afternoon, you can meet directly with hiring professionals to discuss your goals and launch your career.
Friday, Jan. 3, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake.
Apply for Census 2020 Jobs
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people for temporary jobs across the country. Apply, and with one application you may be considered for several positions, including census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, and supervisory staff—and help your community while getting paid. Learn how to apply
Health News
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Prevent the Flu and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, protect yourself and your family—get your seasonal flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the flu. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can have serious complications. |
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In addition to getting your flu vaccine, the Health Department recommends following the 3 C’s to prevent the spread of flu: clean, cover, and contain.
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Clean—clean your hands frequently by washing your hands with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
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Cover—cover your cough and sneeze
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Contain—contain your germs by staying home if you are sick
The Lake County Health Department continues to provide flu vaccinations by appointment at its Community Health Centers. To schedule an appointment, call the Patient Access Center at (847) 377-8800. Many health care providers and retail locations also offer the flu shot. Contact your provider to see if they have the vaccine or find a convenient location using the Flu Vaccine Finder
: vaccinefinder.org.
Sheriff News
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Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Local Government Officials
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit are warning residents to beware of a new scam in which con artists are calling Lake County residents, and introducing themselves as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. |
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The scammers use an actual name of a Sheriff’s Office employee. The scammer then informs the victim that a Lake County judge (also using the name of an actual judge) has issued an arrest warrant. The caller is then instructed to purchase a “voucher” in order to avoid arrest.
Beware that neither the Sheriff’s Office nor 19th Judicial Circuit call residents and request money. If you receive a call like this, the best course of action is to hang up, block the caller’s telephone number from being able to contact you again, and file a report with your local law-enforcement agency. Read more
State Attorney’s Office News
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Essay Contest for Lake County High School Students
Attention high school students! The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and other local organizations are inviting Lake County students in grades 9 to 12 to enter an essay contest focused on ending violence against women. Essays should be 500 words or less, and address the topic “Our Voices: Why Rising on Behalf of Abuse of Women is Everyone’s Responsibility.” The deadline is Dec. 27.
Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Salt Reduction Efforts
For the second consecutive winter, the Lake County Forest Preserves will reduce the amount of road
salt applied to forest preserve roadways, sidewalks and parking areas during snow and ice removal. Salt reduction offers environmental and financial benefits. |
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Though it seems to disappear in spring, most of the season’s road salt remains in our water and soil. Excess salt deteriorates water quality, harms native aquatic species, makes soil more susceptible to erosion, and corrodes infrastructure.
Salt reduction efforts showed positive results last winter. During a typical winter, operations staff is called out about fifteen times to plow snow and apply salt. Because of last winter’s high snow totals, staff responded twenty eight times. Thanks to the adjustments made in 2018–19, approximately the same amount of salt was used last year as would have been traditionally used in a typical year, despite nearly twice as many snow and ice events.
The Forest Preserves will make more adjustments to further reduce the amount of road salt applied this winter. Signs indicating “Low Salt Area Ahead” will be posted at most preserves where salt reduction efforts are in place.
Brass Tacks
There are forty four strategically placed scenic overlooks in the Lake County Forest Preserves.
Lake County is home to more endangered and
threatened species than any other county in Illinois. You will find 8 miles of paved trails that are plowed
during the winter at three forest preserves. There are so many aspects to help you enjoy your Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more »
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Solstice Glow Walk
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 Vice-Chair 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
- Member of Veterans and Military Services Committee
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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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