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January 16, 2020
County News
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Become a Census Worker and Help Our Community
The 2020 Census is around the corner, and it's vital that every person in Lake County is counted. You can be part of that effort, and get paid for it! The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring census workers here in Lake County for a wide variety of full-time and part-time jobs.
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There is a great need for all types of workers, from office/clerical to enumerators and supervisors. Bilingual speakers are especially needed.
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Hours are flexible
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Pay is excellent
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The work is important
Due to exceptional need, non-citizens with language skills other than English are also invited to apply. The application is online and takes 30 minutes. Please consider applying or pass along to others who may be interested. Learn more and apply today at 2020census.gov/jobs, 1-855-JOB-2020.
Update: Recreational Cannabis in Unincorporated Lake County
The recreational use of cannabis in Illinois became legal on Jan. 1. Under the law, jurisdictions in Illinois within their boundaries can ban recreational cannabis businesses or establish regulations to allow the production and sale of cannabis. This includes Lake County government, which enforces zoning regulations for unincorporated Lake County. Lake County is currently evaluating its options for regulating recreational cannabis in the unincorporated area.
After discussion at its Jan. 8 meeting, the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee directed staff to prepare a County Board resolution enacting a one-year moratorium on unincorporated recreational cannabis businesses. Committee action on the proposed moratorium will be taken at its Jan. 29 meeting and final action by the full County Board is anticipated at its Feb. 11 meeting. The resolution, if adopted by the Lake County Board, will formally prohibit recreational cannabis businesses within the unincorporated area for a period of one year (until 2021). Read more
Scott’s Law Fines Will Increase in 2020
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Scott’s Law requires vehicles to change lanes and slow down when approaching disabled or emergency vehicles on the side of the road. Beginning in 2020, the minimum fine for violating Scott’s law has increased from $100 to $250 for a first offense, and $750 for a second offense. In 2019, more than two dozen troopers were hit by drivers in Illinois, including three fatalities. Obey Scott’s Law and help keep those who work to protect us safe. Watch this video to learn more
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates
King’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
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You can find volunteer opportunities in your community by visiting the MLK Day of Service web page maintained by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Simply click on “Find a Volunteer Opportunity” and type in your zip code.
Lake County Jail Population Data Now Publicly Available
Through a partnership with Loyola University Chicago, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has developed a platform to share demographical information from the Lake County Jail with the community.
This will allow the public to see information and trends such as daily jail population, monthly jail population, and other data such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, and more. In addition to increasing transparency, the data will provide vital information to government and community organizations to identify solutions to reduce recidivism. Read more
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Resolve to be Safe This Year!
In 2020, resolve to stay alert and be prepared for any emergency!
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Discuss emergency plans with your family, including a family evacuation plan and a meet up location if you get separated.
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Start and grow an emergency savings account.
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Reach out and connect with your neighbors, as being connected helps keep your neighborhood safe.
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Learn basic safety skills, including first aid, CPR & how to shut off utilities to keep you and your loved ones safe.
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Stream Restoration Projects Help Improve Water Quality and Reduce Flooding
The Stormwater Management Commission is responsible for reducing flood damage, improving water quality, and enhancing the natural drainage system in Lake County. One of the many ways they do that is to implement stream restoration projects with techniques like stabilizing the stream channel and banks. Watch this video and learn more about streambank stabilization techniques. |
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Job News
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Looking for a job? There are many recruiting events to help you land your next job! Click on the links below for full details.
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Top Line Transportation – Wednesday, Jan. 22, 23, 29 and 30, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lakeside Transportation – Thursday, Jan. 16, 23 and 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Midway Staffing - Thursday, Jan. 16, 23 and 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kaleida Scope Education Solutions – Wednesday, Jan. 22 and 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OpenArms Solutions – Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SMS Solutions – Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Safeway Transportation Services Corp - Thursday, Jan. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Environmental News
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New State Law Bans Batteries in Recycling Bins
As of Jan. 1, a new Illinois law prohibits residents and businesses from placing rechargeable or lead acid batteries into recycling carts. This is because lithium ion batteries may spark fires if improperly handled. The good news is that SWALCO’s Household Chemical Waste and sponsored Residential Electronics Recycling programs will accept rechargeable and small sealed lead batteries for proper disposal.
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Want to know what other items can and can’t be put in your recycling bin? Visit SWALCO’s handy neighborhood guide, where you can search your town to see what is and isn’t accepted.
What Happened in Committees?
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Energy and Environment Committee
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The Environmental Health Division of the Lake County Health Department presented on its work to keep our water, air, soil, and food safe for everyone in Lake County. They discussed recent ethylene oxide (EtO) testing near Medline in Mundelein and Vantage in Waukegan, water sampling from wells, the danger of algae blooms and more. Watch the discussion.
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Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee
At its Jan. 8 meeting, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee discussed the regulation of cannabis in unincorporated Lake County, and road construction and public works projects. 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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Health News
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Health Consequences of Marijuana Use
The recreational use of cannabis (commonly known as marijuana) became legal in Illinois on January 1, 2020 for adults ages 21 and older. If you use marijuana, make sure you understand the health effects of cannabis on your mind and body and how to be safe.
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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana, impacts normal brain function and development, even in adults. The THC component of today’s marijuana is three times what it was 25 years ago.
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Like tobacco, smoking marijuana can harm your lungs.
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Over-consumption of marijuana can result in negative, harmful side effects including hallucinations and paranoia.
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Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can increase your risk of getting into an accident.
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There is no safe amount of cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding, regardless of how you consume it. THC can be transferred to your baby through your placenta or breast milk.
Protect Your Family from Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and build up over time. It can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled — making it easy for radon problems to go unnoticed. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center recommends that all residents test the radon levels in their homes and apartments during winter, when indoor radon levels are highest.
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The Health Department offers radon test kits for $10, available at 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, or for $13 by mail. The cost includes return postage, laboratory analysis and interpretation by Health Department staff. Call 847-377-8020 to request a kit. If the results reveal elevated levels of radon in your home, contact a professional to fix the problem. Read more
Watch this video to learn ways to protect your home.
Circuit Clerk’s Office News
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Passport Services
Starting to make your travel plans this year? Make sure getting or renewing your passport is part of your plans! Apply for or renew your passport at one of the several Mobile Passport Events the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office will host this year. View the full schedule.
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Forest Preserve News
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Dunn Museum Cradle Inspires
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Two traditional Native American artists visited the Dunn Museum to research a birchbark cradle in the collections. Inspired by their visit, the artists have been working on their own birchbark and quillwork cradles and bonnets. Their project, titled “Celebration of Life,” was recently completed and is now on exhibit at the Museum through April 16. It’s a rare opportunity to see the Museum’s cradle on exhibit paired with the work of present-day contemporary Native American artists.
Learn more »
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Winter Recreation
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Cold weather brings winter fun in your Lake County Forest Preserves. Solar-lit evening hikes, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and ice fishing are included in the array of activities available. Before heading out to the preserves, check the status map on the winter sport’s page. Learn more »
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Gift That Keeps Giving
The Preservation Foundation is the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. It supports the growth, development and sustainability of our region’s natural lands and cultural heritage. Like a root system pulls vital nutrients from the soil, the Foundation drives the mission of the Forest Preserves by responsibly directing funds to projects and programs that might otherwise go unfunded. Learn more » |
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Community Events and News
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Tuition Grants for Short-Term Programs
Looking for a rewarding career, but have very limited time and funding for schooling? You may be eligible to earn one of nine short-term career certificates at College of Lake County, with tuition and nearly all of your expenses paid, thanks to a new grant program called
Transform Lake County.
This new opportunity provides full tuition grant in short-term programs. Nearly 200 residents of Lake County with a specific emphasis on North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion are eligible. Read more
Top 10 Things to do in January
Check out the top 10 activities recommended by
VisitLakeCounty.org to keep yourself energized this winter. Toast in the New Year with the Lake County Libation Trail, get a behind-the-scenes tour with the Tempel Lipizzans who will warm your heart, and enjoy Lake County’s winter festivals, theater productions and much more. Learn more
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Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with your community. Sunday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. First Corinthian Baptist Church, 1529 Elizabeth Avenue, North Chicago. Learn more
Participants Sought for Lawn Care Focus Group Discussions
Are you the caretaker of your lawn? The University of Illinois Extension, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) invites you to take part in a focus group to learn how you care for your lawn, what environmentally-friendly practices you use, and to discuss how to maintain healthy lawns while also protecting local watersheds. Jan. 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Grayslake. The specific meeting address will be provided upon registration. For more information or to register, contact Sarah Zack at szack@illinois.edu or 217-300-4076. Learn more
Learn About Census 2020
Do you have questions about the upcoming Census? Learn about the U.S. Census and why it’s important for all. Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.,
Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County Street, Waukegan. Read more
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