August 22, 2013
Quick Links



 


Solid Waste Agency(SWALCO)

 




 

 

Community Links

 

City of Highland Park

 

City of Highwood

  

Village of Deerfield 

VisitLakeCounty.org
Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Preventing Formation of Elections Commission

A judge recently granted Lake County's request to halt the creation of an elections commission, giving the clerk the responsibility to plan the next election as the County continues to challenge this unconstitutional law. The County filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that creates an elections commission because it specifically singles out Lake County and eliminates voters' right to choose who administers elections. More Info. 
Port Clinton Art Festival and The Taste of HP
New This Year: Taste Opens for Lunch on Friday
 

Highland Park's most festive weekend is kicking off early this year with the Taste of Highland Park opening at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23rd on Central Street in Downtown Highland Park.  Enjoy food and libations from many of Highland Park's most notable restaurants, as well as live performances from celebrated bands and performers all weekend long at the Taste of Highland Park and the Port Clinton Art Festival. Performances throughout the weekend include A Jersey Voice, Sugar High, Million Dollar Quartet, Great Divide, Gone 2 Paradise, and the weekend headliner 16 Candles.

 

Port Clinton Art Festival, which takes place on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Port Clinton Art Festival is currently rated as one of the Top Five art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist and offers fine art from more than 260 of the world's most celebrated artists. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase original artwork offered by master artists from around the world, as well as fun art activities for kids, interactive art demos, the food and music at the Taste and much more.

Admission and parking are free for the event.

 

For more information about the Port Clinton Art Festival, the Taste of Highland Park or Amdur Productions Inc., please call 847-926-4300 or email info@amdurproductions.com. Visit online at www.PortClintonArtFestival.com.

Lake County Launches 'Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local' program

Lake County purchases more than $186 million in goods and services each year including equipment, products, supplies, and services ranging from small to big purchases. In addition, the County spends millions of dollars on roads and buildings. For example, the County Board recently approved a $100 million Courthouse Expansion Project which includes construction of a new nine-story Criminal Court Tower in Waukegan.
Lake County's new Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local. program aims to connect Lake County businesses-including women-owned and minority businesses-with government procurement opportunities. Lake County is hosting an informational seminar on bid opportunities for the Courthouse Expansion Project on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Businesses are invited to attend this event and learn how to take advantage of opportunities to bid.
For more information, visit LakeCountyCourthouseExpansion.com
Roundabouts in Lake County  
 
After a two month closure of the intersection of Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road, a new modern roundabout opened on August 15, making the intersection safer and more efficient. 
 
This is the fourth roundabout intersection constructed by Lake County and we will continue to look for other opportunities in the future. Modern roundabout intersections improve traffic flow by allowing traffic to yield rather than come to a complete stop at intersections and they improve safety by reducing the potential for the most serious types of traffic crashes. For more information, watch this video or visit the LCDOT roundabout website.
Lake County Lifts Ban on Video Gaming in Unincorporated Area

The Lake County Board repealed its 2009 ban on video gaming and adopted an ordinance regulating video gaming in the unincorporated areas. Numerous businesses had argued publicly that the County's ban had created unfair competition for them. The measure passed by an 11 to 9 vote margin.

Currently, 19 municipalities already allow video gaming and in numerous cases, unincorporated businesses are a short distance from those establishments. The State's Video Gaming Act allows video gaming in licensed bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations and truck stops, and gives local governments the authority to approve or ban it in their jurisdictions. Under the law, businesses are charged a 30% tax on revenue from the machines, and a portion of that goes back to that local government. The board's vote directs future gaming tax revenue into a special fund. The county board also amended the County's Liquor Control Ordinance to establish additional video gaming enforcement tools.
Taxpayer Advocates, Help Centers and Other Resources for Property Owners

Many Lake County residents have received their property assessments notices in the mail. The Lake County Chief County Assessment Office provides a number of resources and tools to assist with evaluating your assessment. For more information, Read the Full Press Release, visit the Assessor's Website and the Board of Review Website.
Workforce News

Workforce Development Week: 5 Steps to Your Next Job
Join us August 26-30, as we celebrate Workforce Development Week. Each day, we'll take an in-depth look at "5 Steps to your Next Job", the job search process and offer helpful events and information along the way. Join the conversation on Social Media using #workforceweek.

Tell us about your job search stories, find updates and exclusive online only resources.
For more information http://www.LakeCountyJobCenter.com 

Upcoming Job Fairs
August 22nd 10th District Job Fair: Ramada Inn, Waukegan
August 29th Employment Opportunities Fair: Zion Park District Leisure Center
September 12th Employment Expo: Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center
Click here for a "Job Fair Tips" handout 
Forest Preserves News
 
Hike Lake County
Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. At each preserve, look for the Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. 
Complete just seven of the 13 hikes between August 15 and November 30, and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick. Use this Travel Log to record each hike and submit them online. For more information, including mobile check in apps, visit their website. 

Buy a walking stick, dog collar, and other Forest Preserve Gear here.
                   

Feel free to contact me at 847.456.6933 or smandel@lakecountyil.gov.

 

It's an honor to serve you on the Lake County Board and Forest Preserve.

 
Sincerely,


Steven W. Mandel
Lake County Board, District 11

2157 Saint Johns Avenue

Highland Park, IL 60035

847.456.6933 cell

847.831.0373 home

847.831.0374 fax

smandel@lakecountyil.gov 

stevemandel@comcast.net