 |
|
Dear Neighbor, |
It is an honor to serve as your Lake County Board Member for District 9. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the work of my predecessor, Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham, whose more than two decades of dedicated service left a lasting legacy in our community.
As someone who was raised in Waukegan and is now raising my own family in District 9, I understand the importance of having a strong, connected, and thriving community. I currently serve as Director of Community Retail Branches for a local credit union and previously served eight years on the Waukegan Board of Education.
Through this newsletter, I look forward to keeping you informed about the work being done on behalf of District 9. Most importantly, I look forward to listening to you, hearing your concerns, and delivering results on the issues that matter most to our community.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Brandon X. Ewing
Lake County Board Member, District 9
Lake County Government News
|
Board Approves Moratorium on Data Centers in Unincorporated Lake County
The County Board approved an eight-month moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County, providing the County additional time to evaluate this emerging land use and develop appropriate regulations for any future proposals. The moratorium applies only to unincorporated areas of Lake County.
Lake County has not received any proposals to develop a data center in the unincorporated areas. The County’s moratorium is not a decision on any specific development project. Instead, it establishes a temporary pause while Lake County evaluates the appropriate regulatory framework for data centers in unincorporated Lake County. To learn more read the full press release.
Make Your Vote Plan for the November 3 General Election
The November 3 General Election is fast approaching. Review important election dates, learn how to register to vote and find information about voting by mail, early voting and voting in person on Election Day online on the County Clerk’s November 3 General Election web page.
Fight the Bite! Local Human West Nile Case Reported
Mosquitoes can bite day and night, causing itching and swelling at the bite site. Some mosquitoes can also carry dangerous diseases, including West Nile Virus (WNV), which can be transmitted through their bites and make you sick. A large proportion of human WNV cases occur in late summer, and mosquitoes remain with us into the autumn until the first hard frost.
The Lake County Health Department recently sent out a press release announcing the first human case of West Nile Virus in Lake County this year. Residents can visit the Health Department's new Communicable Disease Data Hub to view Lake County's mosquito surveillance data and vector-borne disease case counts by year.
Visit FightTheBiteNow.com for more information about staying safe from mosquitoes. Lake County residents can call the Health Department’s West Nile hotline at (847) 377-8300 to report stagnant water, dead bird locations, and to learn more about West Nile Virus symptoms.
September is National Workforce Development Month
This month we recognize the many ways workforce development strengthens our communities and connects people with opportunity. With a busy lineup of job fairs, hiring events and informational sessions planned at the Job Center, the month ahead offers plenty of opportunities to get involved, learn more and meet one-on-one with a Job Center representative to take the next step toward a new career. Get help with training funding, resume development, job opportunities and more! Check the Job Center calendar for details.
 This month, the Lake County Board recognizes and honors Workforce Development Month
Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives
As the Lake County Board recognizes September as Safe Gun Storage Month, residents are encouraged to take steps to keep firearms safely secured and prevent unauthorized access. Keeping firearms and ammunition locked, unloaded and securely stored separately can help protect children, teens and other members of the household from firearm-related injuries and deaths. Residents can learn more about safe gun storage practices and get free firearm locks through the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Gun Violence Prevention Initiative. To learn more visit the EndFamilyFire.org website.
County Board in Action!
This month, the Lake County Board took the following action at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
Supporting the A Way Out Program
The Lake County Board approved the reallocation of $247,732 in Opioid Settlement Funds to stabilize funding for the A Way Out Program. A Way Out aims to reduce overdoses and improve access to treatment. Through the 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.
Critical Grant for Workforce Development
The Board accepted a $6.86 million Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant to support workforce development programs through June 2028. The funding will provide employment and training services for youth, adults and dislocated workers, while supporting Job Center operations, tuition and training wages and workforce grants for local employers.
Supporting Jobs and Training
The Board renewed a $639,000 grant for the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The funding will be used to continue a mental health therapist position and contractual mental health services provided by the Lake County Health Department.
Lake County Jail Receives National Detention Facility Innovation Award
Last month, the Lake County Adult Correctional Facility received the Detention Facility Innovation Award from the National Institute for Jail Operations, recognizing the facility’s work to improve safety, security, operations, contraband detection and services for those in custody.
The national award recognizes detention facilities that demonstrate exceptional achievement in developing or improving an aspect of their facility or operations. Lake County was recognized for its broad approach to improving jail operations through new technology, equipment, training, specialized resources and programming. Learn more
Hear from a Resident About His Experience with the Digital Growth Initiative!
Since November 2024, the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative (DGI) has held Learn to Earn basic computer skills courses across the county to help residents build computer skills and improve their digital literacy.
Lake County resident Marcelo knows what it's like to start over. After coming home from prison, he built a career at the Hope Center as a Community Outreach Coordinator.
Through a partnership with the Digital Growth Initiative, he completed a no-cost basic computer skills course at the Hope Center and earned a laptop to continue his learning. Today, he's using it to run his own photography business.
"I'm a walking testimony of receiving these services," says Marcelo.
Start your own learning journey today! Eligible residents are encouraged to take a Learn to Earn basic computer skills course.
Reach out to the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative to explore upcoming computer courses and technology help. Call (847) 377-3442, email digitalnavigators@lakecountyil.gov or visit www.lakecountyil.gov/broadband.
Forest Preserves News
|
Fall Horizons is Here
The fall issue of Horizons magazine is now available. Explore the value of our volunteers, discover 12 tips for a safe visit and meet Ryan Brant, the new executive director of the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Forest Preserves.
You’ll also find events, recent awards and plenty of fall inspiration. Read Horizons »
SeptOberfest Returns to Independence Grove
Sweater weather is heading to the Beer Garden at Independence Grove in Libertyville. SeptOberfest returns September 2–October 29, with live music Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6–7:30 pm, local craft beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks. Free sunset yoga is offered on select dates.
The Beer Garden is open through November 1, weather permitting: 5–9 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1–9 pm Fridays–Sundays. Learn more »
Planning for the Future
Protecting land today helps safeguard it for generations to come.
The Forest Preserves’ new strategic objectives provide a roadmap through 2030, with priorities that include restoring wildlife habitat, advancing environmental sustainability, expanding public access and community engagement and strengthening long-term funding. Read more »
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
|
The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., 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 meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting.
|
