 The Lake County Board will meet twice in February to make updates to our strategic plan and give a renewed focus on our objectives representing all the citizens in Lake County. I have been speaking out on Fairness and Equity for all residents when it comes to distribution of dollars and services. With all the pressures of this economy and the State of Illinois withholding money from our municipalities and County, I have stressed the need to broaden our partnerships and share some revenues towards core services for all our residents. We can do a better job at a county level helping out our regional transportation network and para-transit systems. I believe we need to better support our existing transportation arterials and economic engines throughout all Lake County FIRST, before investing in more infrastructure that could exceed our revenues in the future.
Strategic Plan, which serves as our road map over the next several years, identifies five strategic goals related to transportation, sustainability, healthy communities, economic opportunities and public safety. Residents helped shape the plan by providing input at a series of community forums. Residents also said they wanted to stay informed on progress being made toward these goals. In an effort to be more accountable, accessible and transparent, we’ve posted our progress here.
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In this County Update, learn about Lake County Life - a new, collaborative initiative among local
stakeholders including Lake County government, the Lake County Forest Preserve
District, Visit Lake County, Lake County Partners, and others that includes a website and a video that
tells Lake County's story and defines what makes our county so special. Watch County Update. |
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The Recorder's Office has implemented an additional service for
homeowners to use to fight against identity theft and mortgage fraud. This new
24/7 service allows residents to sign up on the Recorder’s
website to receive an email or text, alerting them when certain documents
have been recorded against their name or property. Learn more.
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Help raise awareness of child abuse prevention in your community. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, join Lake County and other community partners in addressing the issue of child abuse and promoting positive parenting in Lake County. Blue Kids Lake County website
Tuesday, March 10, 6 – 8 p.m.
College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
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At its February 9, 2015 meeting, the City Council approved an ordinance to restrict the sale, possession and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) by minors under the age of 18. E-cigarettes will be restricted in the same manner as smoking cigarettes. Additionally, the sale of e-cigarettes will require a City license.
E-cigarettes are intended to simulate cigarette smoking and are designed to deliver nicotine, other chemicals and flavors by using a heating element to turn those substances into an aerosol, gas, or vapor that is inhaled or “vaped” by the user.
Public health organizations have expressed concern about the dramatic increase in the use of e-cigarettes especially by minors under 18 years of age. MORE INFO
E-Cigarette Ordinance Amendment
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Lake
County Sheriff’s Officer Saves Life with Overdose Reversal Drug
Lake County
Deputy Sheriff’s Officer Amanda Fosco was recently called to a Lake County
home where she saved the life of a resident who overdosed on heroin. In
this video,
Officer Fosco tell the story of how she used the life-saving drug Naloxone.
Over the past several months, two lives were saved from overdoses as a result
of this drug being in the hands of officers in the field, along with training
provided by the Health Department. To learn more about efforts underway to
combat the use of opioids in Lake County, visit the Lake County Opioid Initiative
website.
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Spring Burn Season
March and April are busy months for Lake County Forest Preserve
burn crews, as they conduct controlled fires to revive natural areas. Fire
is the most efficient and economical tool for managing Lake
County’s natural communities, improving habitat by decreasing invasive
plants, removing dead leaves and exposing the seedbed to the sun. For
daily updates, visit LCFPD.org/burninfo. |
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Calling
All Potential Rangers
The Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Cadet program
is a great way for young adults ages 14 to 20, interested in law enforcement and
conservation, to work and train alongside Forest Preserve Ranger Police.
Call 847-968-3433 for details.
Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Woods
Stroll through a maple
woodland in March and let our Lake County Forest Preserve naturalists
reveal to you the secrets of this American tradition. Tree biology never tasted
so good! Space is limited. Register early for this popular program. Learn more. |
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Grave Marker Found in Preserve Returned to Ohio Home
A grave marker found in Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
(Barrington) has been returned to its rightful home in Ohio thanks to the
combined efforts of Forest Preserve Ranger Erik Tjarksen, Lake
County Discovery Museum Collections Coordinator Diana Dretske,
local historian Nancy Schumm, and Harrison Township (Ohio) trustee Joe
Buck. The stone marker, discovered by Ranger Tjarksen last July, belongs
to Darcy Wilson, an infant who passed away in 1889 in what is
now Champaign County, Ohio. Dretske was able to research and identify the
original location of the marker, and contact the descendants of the family
and to arrange for its return. It is not known how the grave marker
traveled 300 miles from the burial site.
Have a Green Thumb? Help Restore our Preserves Year Round
Our dedicated conservation volunteers work year-round to improve
the preserves. Winter restoration activities primarily consist of controlling buckthorn
plants. Restoration workdays happen every weekend at forest preserve locations
throughout the county. No prior experience is necessary and all ages are
invited. For details,
dates and locations, visit LCFPD.org.
Postcard Art Competition Call for Entries
Entries for the 10th biennial Postcard
Art Competition and Exhibition (PACE) are being accepted
through July 15. The juried competition celebrates the postcard as an art
form, challenging artists to create original works in 4-by-6-inch postcard
size. For more information and to download a prospectus and entry form,
visit LCFPD.org/PACE.
LCFPD Calendar of Programs and Events
Hike our LCFPD Trails
Feel free to contact me at 847.456.6933 or smandel@lakecountyil.gov.
It's an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Steven W. Mandel
Lake County Board Member / Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner
District 11, Highland Park - Highwood - Deerfield
2157 Saint Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035
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