After studying this issue for several years, the County Board approved an extensive courts expansion project that includes operational enhancements and adding new courtrooms. These changes will meet the system's growing demands and postpone the need for additional jail beds through the year 2030 and beyond, as well as provide for more efficient delivery of justice.  

The court expansion project includes:

• Criminal Courts Tower: A new 9-story, approximately 215,000 sq. ft. building with 17 new courtrooms and space for three future courtrooms located on the southwest corner of County and Washington streets.
• Washington Street Tunnel: Construct a tunnel connecting the jail and court to provide secure and efficient in-custody transfers from the jail to the court, and ensure public separation of detainees in elevator and corridor space within the court complex.
• Remodeling of Babcox Court (current court complex) and Jail Intake, Booking and Kitchen

This project is part of a larger $120 million capital improvement plan that also includes improvements to the Vernon Hills Juvenile Justice Center and completing renovations to the County Administrative Tower, including an energy retrofit.

The County planned and saved for this project, and will pay for it using about 30% cash, or $34 million, and borrow (bond) approximately $90 million keeping Lake County's overall debt extremely low. The full amount of the bond payment is in the 2013 budget.

Since early 2008, Lake County has been exploring options for addressing the criminal justice system and facilities in the most efficient and fiscally responsible way.  A judicial facilities committee, appointed by the county board, recommended this multi-year plan, along with several operational enhancements, which have been implemented.

What barriers are getting in the way of you reaching your goals? Everyone needs help from time to time, but chances are, there are resources available to assist you. Job Center of Lake County has compiled a list of common barriers to employment and the programs that can help you rise above them.

Gray foxes have a black tipped tail, which distinguishes this species from red foxes. Gray foxes can be found in deciduous woodlands and are unique members of the dog family because they can climb trees. (The Asian raccoon dog is the only other climbing dog.) Gray foxes have strong, hooked claws that allow them to scramble up trees to avoid predators or get fruit. They den during the day in old woodchuck burrows, stumps or hollow trees - sometimes as high as 30 feet above the ground.

Check out the Lake County Forest Preserves' Facebook page for a Nov. 29 post about the fox, or read the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service press release. 

Two new laws will affect Illinois drivers beginning Jan. 1. Senate Bill 2488 prohibits the use of cell phones in all roadway work zones. Previously, the use of cell phones was only prohibited in work zones with speed limit reductions. House Bill 5101 prohibits a commercial motor vehicle operator from using a hand-held mobile phone or engaging in texting while driving and makes such offense a "serious traffic violation."

Read more about the new traffic laws.  

"The holidays are a great time to spread good cheer, but they also are a time when people can unwittingly spread germs," said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director. "We often see a spike in the number of children out of school due to flu related illnesses in January. It is important to protect yourself and your family against the flu by practicing flu preventive steps over the holiday and every day."

Watch a video about how a flu shot can help keep you healthy. 

In December's Healthy Lake County, hear from a mental health therapist about alleviating stress during the holidays, learn about a program in which public health nurses make home visits to counsel pregnant women, and watch how Lake County marked World AIDS Day with a special event at Waukegan High School.

Watch now. 

Mitten & Hat Tree and Food for Fines

Ela Area Public Library is accepting new mittens, hats and scarves placed on the tree in the lobby through Jan. 4. Non-perishable food can also be donated throughout the month of December in lieu of fines. More info.   

Outdoor Fun in a Beautiful Setting

Explore winter's wonder. When snow is on the ground, our preserves are an ideal setting for activities such as ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and hiking. A 4.5-inch ice layer is required for ice skating and fishing, and a 4-inch snow base is required for snowmobiling. For current winter sports conditions, visit the Forest Preserves website or call our 24-hour automated winter sports hotline at 847.968.3235 for updated info. The Lakewood Winter Sports Area and an adjacent section of the Millennium Trail in Wauconda, and a trail loop at Old School in Libertyville are lighted, allowing for winter fun until 9 p.m., daily. For a complete list of activities and locations, visit the Forest Preserve's activities page. 

Annual Permit Sales

Annual permits for 2013 are available for purchase, including Dog Exercise Area permits, Horse Trail Use permits, Model Aircraft Flying Field permits, Dog Sled Area access and Horse-drawn Vehicle Use permits. Annual permits are good from the time purchased through the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2013). Permits can be purchased online or by phone at 847.367.6640, in person at our General Offices in Libertyville and our Operations and Public Safety Facility in Lindenhurst, or by mail or fax. Read more.

Please travel safely!

Winter officially begins on December 21st and our Chicago area winter weather is not far behind. Wintertime commuting tests our patience with delays and frays our nerves with slick roads. For some commuters taking public transportation can be a better, safer option to commute to work. Pace, Metra and the CTA provide safe, convenient, cost effective transit connections in the city and suburbs. Check out their websites below!

www.rtachicago.com

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) provides a commuter trip planner to provide commuters with information on which buses or trains to take.

www.pacebus.com & www.pacerideshare.com

Pace Suburban Bus provides route, schedule and fare information on suburban bus service. Information is also available for all of the Shuttle Bug routes that provide connecting service between Metra stations and area employers. Web Watch can provide commuters real time travel information on buses.

www.metrarail.com

Metra is one of the nation's premier commuter rail systems. Their web site provides information on fares, schedules, stations, connecting services and tickets. Take Metra commuter trains to access Shuttle Bug service and avoid winter driving hassles. With about a 98% on-time performance rating, Metra provides a reliable, safe, and economical alternative to driving. Get service updates via email and buy your ticket online with a credit card.

www.transitchicago.com

The Chicago Transit Authority provides bus and 'L' service in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Their web site provides routes, schedules, fares and connections as well as information on Chicago Card/Plus.

www.gettingaroundillinois.com 800-452-4368

Illinois Department of Transportation provides statewide motorist travel information and weather conditions.

www.511wi.com

Wisconsin travel information

www.travelmidwest.com

Provides travel time information for expressways and tollways in the Chicago area as well as southeast Wisconsin and northeast Indiana.

www.lakecountypassage.com

PASSAGE is an Intelligent Transportation System designed to provide motorists real time traffic congestion information due to crashes and construction events.

www.illinoistollway.com

Illinois travel information

www.aaaexchange.com

Be a SAFE driver and check out AAA winter driving tips.