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Dear Neighbors, |
Happy New Year!
The cold weather and ice have been making my walks with Pip rather short, but one thing we both enjoy is watching the birds and squirrels at our bird feeder every day. I put a bird feeder right outside the window where my computer is for my virtual meetings, and I so enjoy getting to watch the antics of the lovely birds that stop by. Not to mention the determination of the squirrels to eat as much bird food as possible!
I was surprised to discover that birds need water in the winter even more than food, so last year I bought an immersion heater for my bird bath. I can attest that the water seems even more popular for the birds than the feeder. I love watching all the birds drinking their fill and sometimes splashing around with their friends in the heated water. There are so many birds that stay in our area year-round.
The Lake County Forest Preserves has information on how animals survive our winters. Many birds, including the Northern Cardinal (the Illinois State Bird) can find enough seeds, fruits and insects throughout the winter to stay active and do not have to migrate.
The Lake County Audobon Society has great information on how to identify birds, how to make your yard more attractive for birds, great birding spots in Lake County, and how to volunteer to help with bird counts.
Winter is also the time to test your house for radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas naturally found in rock and soil. It is a leading cause of lung cancer. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
I did not think that our house would have radon gas since our house does not have a basement. After reading about the dangers of radon, we tested the air in our house a few years ago and were shocked to discover that we did have relatively high levels of radon. We had a radon mitigation system immediately installed and have a home monitoring system.
The Lake County Health Department offers short-term testing kits for $10, available at 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville, or for $13 by mail. The cost includes return postage, laboratory analysis and interpretation by Health Department staff. Test kits are also available from area hardware and building supply stores. If you have never tested your home for radon, I highly encourage you to get a kit. Testing works best in the winter since our homes are sealed and windows are not open.
For more information and to request a short-term testing kit, contact the Health Department at: (847) 377-8020 or visit http://www.lakecountyil.gov/2450/Radon.
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Lake County Government News
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County Board Approves Open Burning Restrictions and Consolidated Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board voted at its January 11 meeting to enact permanent open burning restrictions within unincorporated Lake County. Franchise waste hauler agreements to provide consolidated waste hauling services in unincorporated areas within certain townships were also approved. The new open burning restrictions and waste hauling agreements go into effect on June 1, 2022. To learn more about open burning restrictions and franchise waste hauler agreements, please read the news release.
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Help End Homelessness. Join Next Point-in-Time Homeless Count
Lake County is seeking volunteers to join the fight to help end homelessness. Make an impact by joining our yearly Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. On the night of January 26, teams will search throughout Lake County to interview and offer assistance to unsheltered people. This year, we ask volunteers to create their own teams of two to eight people. Learn more and register
Want to make a difference but are not able to attend? Visit the LCCH website to learn more.
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Business Owners Come Learn How to Do Business with the County
The Lake County Government Purchasing Division is hosting a virtual Meet and Greet on January 21 at 9 a.m. Attending this event provides a great opportunity for local business owners to hear directly from Lake County’s Purchasing and Facilities teams about upcoming projects and procurement opportunities. Learn how your business can work with Lake County, and various initiatives and programs, such as the Lake County Economic Opportunity Program and job order contracting.
Lake County’s Buy Local, Build Local, Work Local program aims to connect Lake County businesses—including minority and women-owned businesses with government procurement opportunities. Learn more about opportunities for your business by registering for the virtual event.
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Know Where To Get Tested
Getting tested for COVID-19 and quarantining if you’re positive is a proven method of slowing the spread. If you think you’ve been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, find a testing site near you. The Lake County Health Department recommends going to a site run by the Illinois Department of Public Health or a local pharmacy. Find a testing site near you
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Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines are Updated for General Public
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated guidance around quarantine and isolation for those who have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19 for the general public. This guidance does not apply to healthcare workers or those who work or live in congregate settings. Visit the CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation Guidance page for more information.
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Employment Resources
Additional Resources
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Rental assistance: Lake County’s new program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
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Food for families in need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Find food
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Veterans assistance: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Learn more
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Mental health support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
Transportation News
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Join Virtual Public Hearing To Study State’s Rail System
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public hearing through Jan. 21 as part of an ongoing study assessing the state’s rail system to help identify potential improvements and solutions. The event will provide an update on input collected throughout the year on current conditions, capacity concerns and safety challenges.
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Environmental News
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Discover 11 Great Things You Can Do in ‘22
Start your new year and do something to help the environment. It’s simple to implement a couple of new things into your routine and mindset. Check this list of 11 Great Things You Can Do in ’22. These will help the health of your family and the planet as well as save time, money and energy.
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Health News
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Protect Your Family and Community from Radon
Radon gas builds up in homes over time and 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 the winter season, when indoor radon levels are highest. Learn more
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Treasurer's Office News |
Learn Borrowing Basics at Fiscally Fit Class
It's a new year and that means it's time to get fiscally fit. Join the first session, “Increasing Endurance: Borrowing Basics” at noon Jan. 26. Learn about various options of borrowing money from financial institutions and what they really cost. Register.
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State's Attorney's Office News |
Grant Funding to Drive Major Upgrades to Cyber Lab
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has secured a $124,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to upgrade its Cyber Lab, enabling the office to escalate its fight against violent crime, sex crimes, and financial exploitation.
The Cyber Lab provides critical support to Lake County’s law enforcement agencies by using software and human expertise to retrieve and analyze text messages, video files, and geo-data from phones, laptops, and other digital devices. Learn more
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Nineteenth Judicial Circuit News |
One Book. One Judge. One Goal
Lake County judges will be participating in a judicial reading project focused on kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms across our state. The stories serve as a perfect launch to discuss the law and history with a judge from the local community. A principal or teacher may reach out to host a judge as a guest reader in February. Learn more
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Forest Preserves News
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New Underpass Opens
A new underpass and trail extension safely connecting Raven Glen and Ethel's Woods forest preserves in Antioch are now open! It's the longest of nine tunnels in the extensive 209-mile trail system.
The project includes a 145-foot concrete pedestrian tunnel under Route 45 just north of Miller Road, and 0.8 mile of new paved and gravel trails joining the two preserves via the Millennium Trail and Greenway. Learn more »
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How Animals Survive the Winter
Ever wonder how animals make it through winter? Cold temperatures, a lack of food, and snow and ice can be challenges for wildlife. Luckily, native species have evolved ways to weather the weather.
“Each animal employs different survival strategies that help it adapt and even thrive in winter,” writes Environmental Educator April Vaos in the Forest Preserves nature blog. “I like to say animals have MAD strategies: migrate, active and dormant.” Read more on the Lake County Nature blog.
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Virtual Program: History Symposium
The annual Lake County History Symposium takes place virtually from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 20. This year’s theme is “The Built Environment: Architecture and Landscapes in Lake County.”
The free program focuses on the landscapes, architects, city planning and other topics related to shaping Lake County’s appearance. Professional, amateur and student historians submitted presentations for the symposium. Registration is required. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions. Get a ticket »
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Community Events & News
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Discover 10 Things To Do in January
January features Lake County's cuisine makers and libation creators, playtime in the snow, an outdoor movie, a show, a cabaret, virtual angling, a rekindling with nature in a land of lakes winter wonderland and more. Welcome 2022 with open arms and check out Visit Lake County’s top 10 things to do in January in Lake County.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99).
The public also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule. All meetings are recorded and are posted on the Lake County website.
Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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