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February 19, 2020
County News
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Count on Me Lake County
The U.S. Census Bureau will begin counting every resident in the United States next month. It is critically important that all residents of Lake County are counted. Census population data is used to determine the distribution of about $675 billion in federal funding to states and local communities.
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For every person not counted, Lake County loses out in approximately $1,400 per person per year in federal funding. That money goes to support local schools, health care services, housing, infrastructure and much more.
Responding to the census is fast, easy and convenient, and you can do it online, by phone or by email. Lake County established a 2020 Complete Count Committee to help ensure an accurate 2020 census count of Lake County residents. Check out lakecountyil.gov/census2020 for helpful information and resources.
Watch for information in your mailbox in March from the U.S. Census Bureau, and be sure to get counted, Lake County!
February 11 Recognized as 2-1-1 Day in Lake County
At its Feb. 11 meeting (02-11), the Lake County Board recognized 2-1-1 Day in Lake County in honor of the 2-1-1 helpline service launched by United Way of Lake County last fall. The service provides free, confidential referrals to health and human services for anyone who lives in Lake County. To get help, all you must do is dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
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From there, you’ll be able to speak to a live, expert navigator in more than 150 languages. From housing and food needs, to mental health and addiction issues to assistance paying utility bills and more, the expert navigator will connect you to the right agency to help you. Lake County government provided funds to help launch the service. Watch as Mary Ellen Vanderventer, Lake County Recorder of Deeds, visits with United Way staff to learn exactly what 2-1-1 provides, the idea behind it, and how United Way is spreading the word about the service.
One-Year Moratorium on Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Lake County Board voted to impose a one-year moratorium on recreational cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County.
The moratorium is effective immediately through Feb. 12, 2021. During this time, Lake County will not be accepting or reviewing applications for proposed recreational cannabis businesses. All recreational cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, cultivation centers, craft growers, infusers, processors and transporters, will remain prohibited within unincorporated Lake County.
Qualified Professionals Needed to Serve as Lake County Board of Review Hearing Officers
The Lake County Board of Review is seeking qualified professionals with a background in real estate to serve as Board of Review Hearing Officers. All applicants must pass a two-hour qualifying exam, which will be administered on Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m. at the Lake County Building, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan. |
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Hearing Officers play an important role in striving for equitable and fair property assessments through the assessment appeal process. They act as unbiased intermediaries, and hear testimony on written appeals of any real estate parcel that is claimed to be over or under-assessed. They then determine if the assessment is just or if it needs to be corrected. Learn more

What Happened in Committees?
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Energy and Environment Committee
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The Energy and Environment Committee heard a presentation on an energy savings analysis that was performed on the proposed new Consolidated Public Safety Facility, which will replace the county’s existing Highway Patrol facility in Libertyville.
Following a review of different design options, committee members provided staff direction to pursue a Net Zero energy design, which the study showed would save Lake County about $3.2 million in energy costs over 25 years. 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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County Clerk’s Office News
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March 2020 General Primary Election Information
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The candidate list
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Public questions on the ballot
- Voter Information Guide
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Your personalized sample ballot
- Voter registration locations and forms
- Acceptable forms of identification
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All 16 early voting sites, times and dates and
- Your assigned Election Day voting site
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You can also contact the Lake County Clerk’s Elections Department at Elections@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-VOTE.

Health News
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Flu Cases Are Up in Lake County
The Health Department’s Communicable Disease program has seen a rise in influenza cases in Lake County since late January. Outbreaks in long-term care facilities, calls from schools reporting above normal absenteeism due to influenza-like-illness (ILI), and emergency room visits for ILI have all been increasing in Lake County. As of Feb.1, 21 Lake County residents have been admitted to the intensive care unit for influenza-related illness.
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It is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available from many providers and retail locations throughout Lake County. Contact your doctor or visit www.vaccinefinder.org to search for locations where flu vaccinations are given, then call ahead to check on availability.
February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing about 1 in 4 deaths. In Lake County, 966 deaths were caused by heart disease in 2018. Caring for your heart through a healthy diet and regular physical activity is the best way to prevent heart disease. |
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It is also important to see your primary care physician every year, so you are aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and weight. For an appointment with a Health Department provider, call (847) 377-8800.

Stormwater Management Commission News
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Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Honors 2019 Stormwater Award Recipients
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On February 6, the 2019 Stormwater Award recipients were honored for their outstanding achievements. These individuals, communities, groups and organizations have made significant contributions to improve water quality, reduce flooding and help restore the natural drainage system in Lake County. Congratulations to all the award recipients! Learn more
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Water Resource Internship
Intern with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) this spring! Apply your classroom experience to the real world as a Water Resource Intern. You’ll work closely with SMC staff to assist in watershed planning, geographic information system projects, field work and more. |
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Applicants must be a recent graduate or current student with a strong background in environmental sciences, planning or related hydrology fields. This paid internship has the flexibility to be part-time or full-time beginning in April. Come made a difference in Lake County. Applications close March 20. Interested? Learn more and apply.

Sheriff News
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Take Part in the Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy
Sheriff John D. Idleburg invites the public to participate in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office 2020 Citizens Police Academy. Participants get an in-depth view of all Sheriff’s Office responsibilities, including corrections, highway patrol, court security, criminal investigations, crash investigations, evidence processing and more.
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Participants must be 18 years of age or older, of good moral character, and have no felony convictions. The free, 10-weeks class meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings from April 2 to June 4. Classes will be held at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters at 25 S. M.L.K. Jr Avenue, Waukegan and at the Libertyville sub-station, 1301 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.

Forest Preserve News
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Government Job Fair
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Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a free governmental job fair from 2 pm–6 pm, Thursday, March 12, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. Fourteen local organizations, ranging from the Village of Libertyville, Buffalo Grove Police Department, and Zion Park District, have a variety of full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal positions they are seeking to fill. Learn more »
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Check Status of Trails & Preserves
Weather-related events, construction projects, flooding and controlled burns sometimes result in temporary detours or closures of Lake County Forest Preserves trails, facilities, and seasonal activities in order to ensure public safety. A Winter Sports Map is also available to get information and check status of sledding, skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing activities before you bundle up and head out. Learn more »
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Maple Syrup Hikes
Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples at Ryerson Conservation Area during Maple Syrup Hikes. Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production, and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Tickets are available for the hikes that run on the weekends from March 7–22. Hour-long hikes start every half-hour from noon to 2 pm. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Antioch Sequoits Cheer Team
CONGRATULATIONS to the Antioch Sequoit Cheer Team who took the State Championship in Bloomington, Illinois on February 7th & 8th.
Antioch is very proud of your talent and hard work. Also a big thank you to the coaches!
Lake County Restaurant Week
Taste delectable cuisines in 24 communities at more than 75 participating restaurants. From Feb. 28 to March 8, they will have special prix-fixe menus, artisan food and drink pairings, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and other exclusive offers. Read more
Metallica Scholars Grant Gets an Encore at CLC
College of Lake County (CLC) students will rock on another year! $100,000 in scholarships will be available for students studying in career programs through Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH). CLC was selected as one of 10 community colleges in the country to receive this heavy metal grant for the second consecutive year. More than 60 CLC students benefited from the grant during the inaugural year. Learn more
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 Grapes and Growlers
Its that time of the year again to meet with friends at A Night at the Library sponsored by the Lake Villa District Library Foundation. Featuring John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band. Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Lake Villa District Library, 140 N. Munn Road, Lindenhurst. For more information visit www.lvdl.org or call 847-356-7711. Learn more
Last Comic Standing
The Antioch Junior Woman's Club, along with the Antioch Chamber is proud to announce that COMEDY NIGHT is back! This is an evening filled with great food, comedy and fun! You'll enjoy the Dockers North dinner buffet with carving station and comedic entertainment. Comedians who enter the Last Comic Standing contest have the chance to win $500 cash.
Saturday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dockers North, 955 N. Route 59 (across from St. Peter's Church), Antioch. Tickets are $40 per person. Read more
Call for Makers - Maker Faire
The College of Lake County is calling all makers to join the biggest show and tell in Lake County. YOU are a Maker if you craft, build, create, design, tinker and tweak just about anything. What do you Make? Bring it to Maker Faire! Exhibits that have an interactive component for attendees are recommended.
Interested in applying to be a Maker?
Apply By March 20
Maker Faire Lake County is part of the college’s inaugural Maker Week, April 18 to 25. Events include the 4H Robotics Showcase, Robotics Competition finals, Big Idea, Jr competition and a Rube Goldberg Challenge. For more information, visit Maker Faire or email
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