February 23, 2024
Lake County Government News
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New Policy To Provide Greater Access to Board, Committee Meetings
Coming later this year, Lake County Board and Committee meetings that are viewable online will have the option for English captions and Spanish subtitles to be enabled. At its meeting on Feb. 20, the Lake County Board approved a new policy that originated from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, of which I chair, to provide greater access to your government in action. Captions are displayed words on screen in the same language that is spoken during the meeting. Subtitles display a translation of the spoken words into another language.
ROE Program is Named Finalist in National Education Showcase
The Lake County Regional Office of Education’s Illinois Virtual Schools and Academy (IVSA) program was announced as one of the Top 10 finalists in the 2024 Education Innovation Showcase. The IVSA was chosen as a Top 5 finalist in the impact category. The Education Innovation Showcase honors K-12 education system leaders advancing innovation in their community and fostering meaningful change. Learn more
Election News
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New Voter Cards Are Being Mailed
The Lake County Clerk's Office is gearing up to mail out new voter cards to individuals whose Election Day polling sites have changed. If you're one of these voters, keep an eye on your mailbox for these important notices.
Ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is crucial for a smooth voting experience, so review your new voter card carefully and make note of any changes. Access your personalized and up-to-date voter information at LakeVoterPower.Info.
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Job News
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It’s Almost Time to Apply for Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth Employment Program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences at various work sites for about 175 young people this summer.
Applications will be accepted March 1 through April 20 at the Job Center of Lake County website. Work opportunities will begin June 17. Learn more, including the qualifications to join this program.
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Revive Lake County Provides Skills to Returning Citizens to Renter Labor Force
Is your arrest of conviction keeping you from gaining or retaining employment. Revive Lake County is a three-week program, provided by the Job Center of Lake County is provide returning citizens with the skills needed to ensure success in the labor force. If you're interested in applying, fill out an interest form by March 29.
Complete the interest form
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
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Transportation News
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 See Shared Use Paths Planned for the Future
You can now view the shared use paths that are currently available and planned by Lake County for the future through an interactive map. Planned shared use paths in the Lake County Division of Transportation's (LCDOT) 5-Year Plan are shown in purple on the map, and paths in the 2040 Non-Motorized Plan are shown in red.
Learn more about the County’s existing and planned shared use paths
Sustainability News
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Drop-Off Locations Added to Accept Clothing and Textile Donations
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has added two more locations where you can drop off your new and gently used clothing and textiles to be recycled or reused.
There are 72 collection bins across the county where you can bring men, women and children’s clothing. New and gently used items will be reused, and worn, torn and stained items will be recycled or upcycled. Help divert these materials responsibly and keep them out of the landfills.
View the full list of clothing and textiles drop-off locations
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Forest Preserves News
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Key Initiatives Updated
At a recent meeting of the Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee, staff at the Forest Preserves provided updates on key initiatives:
-- All public-facing departments now have Spanish-speaking staff to improve communication and foster inclusion.
-- The District’s Herbicide Guide was recently printed in Spanish. An updated printed Map and Guide will follow.
-- The Education Center at Ryerson Woods and Duck Farm Off-leash Dog Area are opening soon. Both feature major improvements in ADA accessibility over the previous facilities. Similar improvements are underway at Lakewood Forest Preserve.
-- The racial and ethnic demographic breakdown of the District’s recruitment continues to come into alignment with county demographic data from the 2020 census.
-- The introduction of sensory hours at the Dunn Museum has been a success, demonstrating dedication to creating inclusive experiences for all visitors.
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Maple Syrup Hikes Planned
For more than four decades, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led wildly popular Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Each March, families, school groups and scout troops learn about the process of converting sap from the preserve's towering sugar maple trees into sweet syrup.
The springtime tradition kicks off on Saturday, March 2. Hikes start at the Ryerson Welcome Center and are offered on Saturdays and Sundays through March 17. Led by Lake County Forest Preserves educators and volunteers, the one-hour hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. and are open to all ages. Read more »
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Meet New On-site Caterer
John Eggert, owner of Relish Catering Kitchen in Schaumburg, is expanding his business. He is the new on-site caterer operating Relish Events at Independence Grove, located within the Libertyville forest preserve.
"We strive to synchronize our menus with the ambiance of the space," Eggert explained. "Our goal is to harmonize the food options with the midwestern prairie-style atmosphere." Prioritizing local ingredients whenever feasible is important to the company. The business owner is inspiring his chef to unleash creativity. “We plan to serve menu items that are truly Instagram-worthy." Discover more »
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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 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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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 the following committees:
| Lake County Board |
Lake County Forest Preserves |
Law & Judicial, Chair |
Diversity & Cultural Awareness, Chair |
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Chair |
Gospelfest, Chair |
Public Building Commission, Chair |
Operations, Vice-Chair |
Rules |
Rules |
Health & Community Services |
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Other Appointed Positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo)
- Vice Chair of Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee
- Member of Veterans Committee
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- Member of Membership Board
- Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee
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Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council
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Lake County Health Department Personnel Committee, Chair
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Lake County Workforce Development Commission
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Housing and Community Development Commission
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Lake County Domestic Violence Council
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Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee
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Waukegan School District 60 Policy Review Board, Member
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Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, Board Member
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Community Events and News
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Don’t Miss the February Flavor Festival
Now through Feb. 29, Visit Lake County has combined the Lake County Restaurant Week and Libation Trail initiatives into one taste-tempting month-long event, the February Flavor Festival.
Restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries provide exclusive dining offers, fare and drink pairings, chef demonstrations, innovative libation concoctions, live entertainment and more. The focus is encouraging residents to generate foot traffic to the cuisine makers in their hometowns and across the land of lakes. Learn more
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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. |
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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.
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