Dear Neighbors,
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I hope you are having a wonderful week. In addition to the articles shared below, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone of a few activities that are currently happening.
First, with spring on the horizon, it's an excellent time to explore your local Forest Preserves. One event you might find interesting is the Maple Syrup Hikes. It's a fantastic opportunity to be outdoors, learn how sap is transformed into syrup, and even sample the final product. Learn more about this year's Maple Syrup Hikes. I'm planning to take my kids tomorrow.
Also, as spring approaches, some of you may be considering decluttering your closets. You can donate textiles and clothes at several bins throughout the county, courtesy of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. In District 12, we have three bins in Deerfield, two in Highland Park, and two in Lake Forest. For specific locations, please check here.
Last, early voting has started. While you can vote early at any location, we have three sites in District 12, with the Highland Park location offering extended hours. For more details, please click here.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns.
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Lake County Government News
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Illinois Broadband Internet Map in Progress: Confirm its Accuracy!
 The State of Illinois has initiated a challenge process that provides Illinoisans an opportunity to review its new broadband availability map. The updated map will determine which locations are eligible for funding through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. Your participation could help bring broadband funding to Lake County.
Review your home and/or business on the map and ensure their broadband internet information is accurate. Lake County residents, businesses, and property owners may submit a challenge if there are inaccuracies. View the full news release to learn more.
Upgrades Are Coming to Lake County Television
Lake County's public access channel, LCTV, which is available 24/7 online and in certain locations through Comcast and AT&T, will be undergoing a modernization project to enhance the viewer experience and upgrade equipment that is at the end of its useful life.
The project begins on March 20 and LCTV's Comcast and AT&T channels will be unavailable until the project is completed. LCTV will still be accessible at lakecounty.tv and Lake County Committee and Board Meetings will continue to be broadcast live on Zoom during construction. The project is expected to take about two months to complete. Learn more
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County Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Lake County has once again been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award recognizes Lake County’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended Nov. 30, 2022.
The GFOA's Certificate of Achievement is awarded to governmental entities that demonstrate a high standard of financial reporting. To be eligible for this recognition, a government must go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and exhibit a commitment to transparency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in its financial reporting. Lake County is a long-standing recipient of the award. Read the full news release to learn more.
Apply to Join the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program
There is still time to apply and join the Summer Youth Employment Program. This popular program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences in various worksites for about 175 young people this summer.
The deadline to apply is April 20 on the Job Center of Lake County website. Work opportunities for participants will begin on June 17.
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Transportation News
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Provide Your Input on Reducing Single-Occupancy Vehicle Usage
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) seeks your thoughts on a draft report that provides strategies and recommendations to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips in the county.
When transportation agencies refer to single-occupancy vehicles, or SOVs, we mean people primarily driving alone in their cars, trucks, and vans for their work commutes. In Lake County, 80 percent of those trips are taken in SOVs! LCDOT initiated a study to see if there is anything we can do to reduce that percentage. After engaging the public and stakeholders and researching SOV reduction programs throughout the country, LCDOT has compiled a draft report that is ready for public comment.
Reducing SOV trips - even by a small percentage, has been shown to reduce trip times, air pollution and carbon emissions. Provide your comment now through April 8. Learn more about the report and provide your input
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Election News
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Early Voting Is Available Countywide for March 19 Election
Early voting for the March 19 General Primary Election is now available county-wide. Lake County residents, who meet all voter registration requirements, can access convenient locations across the county where they can cast their ballots. Use any early voting site regardless where you live.
View the list of early voting locations and hours
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Health News
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A Way Out Program Provides Access to Substance Use Treatment
The Lake County Health Department, Lake County Opioid Initiative, and participating police departments are proud to announce that the A Way Out program has served over 1,000 clients, providing access to substance use treatment and reducing overdoses.
Through this program, a person can walk into a participating police department, turn in any drugs and paraphernalia without fear of criminal charges, and access inpatient or outpatient care. A Way Out is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone age 18 and over can participate in A Way Out. Citizenship status and language do not affect eligibility.
Learn more about A Way Out
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Sustainability News
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Build An Abundant Vegetable Garden at Virtual Class
Imagine tasting your own vegetables picked fresh from your garden. Learn steps to plan and tend your garden in the next session, Vegetable Gardening as part of the 2024 Lake County Garden Learning Series at 6 p.m. March 13.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County along with University of Extension Master Gardeners and the Lake County Forest Preserves will offer wonderful programs for gardeners and those wanting to learn to garden. The virtual classes meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All are free to attend. Register for the March 13 class and view the 2024 class schedule
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Job News |
Revive Lake County Provides Skills to Re-enter 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 that provides 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
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Annual Educator Job Fair Is Planned March 16
Meet school leaders from multiple districts in Lake County to discover various career opportunities from 8 to 11 a.m. March 16 at Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa. Veterans may be admitted early at 7:30 a.m. Register to join the job fair
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
Forest Preserves News
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Communication and Accessibility Enhanced
The Lake County Forest Preserves has adopted cutting-edge technology designed to enhance communication and accessibility for visitors to their website.
The Forest Preserves utilizes a computer program, known as chatbot, to simulate conversation with human users through text-based interactions. This technology prioritizes accessibility for all users and bridges language barriers through multi-language translation capabilities. Read more »
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Job Fair Set for March 11
The Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a job fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 11 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. An array of temporary positions are available.
Organizers say participants should dress professionally and bring multiple copies of resumes. Interviews for temporary positions will be held on the spot at the job fair. No registration is required. For more information, call 847-367-6640. Discover more »
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Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other 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 languages. The service is free and confidential.
Watch this video to learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
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Community Events & News
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Discover Much of What Lake County Offers This Lively Time of Year
As winter gradually bids adieu and nature awakens, Lake County becomes a hub of activity, offering various experiences to suit every taste and preference. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a culture connoisseur or a seeker of adrenaline-pumping adventures, check out Visit Lake County’s list of Top 10 Things to Do in March.
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Free Income Tax Prep Assistance Is Available to Eligible Taxpayers
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS to help prepare basic income tax return preparation for low-and-moderate-income taxpayers aged 50 and over now through April 15. Learn more about this free service
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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.
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