Lake County News -- Steve Carlson
In This Issue
Board Meetings Online
New Districts and Precincts
Preview November Ballot
Active Shooter Response Training
Green Your Halloween
Flood Insurance Discounts
Stay Healthy this Flu Season
Pertussis Cases Up
Upcoming Community Events
Grandwood Park News
Forest Preserves News
Quick Links
Visit the "Who's Hiring" page from the Job Center of Lake County to get the latest job postings in our area!
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Lake County News -- Steve Carlson
October 3, 2012
Watch Board Meetings Online

 

board meeting Did you know that you can watch Lake County Board meetings live from your computer? Meetings stream live on our website on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. If you miss a board meeting, you can watch archived meetings online, and skip directly to the agenda item that interests you.

 

Lake County is committed to open government and transparency. Our Transparency/OpenGov website offers a wealth of information about county government, including meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, the budget and public records.

New Districts and Precincts
on Certificate of Voter Registration

 

In 2010, U.S. Census counted every U.S. resident to ensure equal representation among the population in congressional, state and county board districts. The County Clerk's office created new precinct boundaries for all 18 townships which the Lake County Board approved in September 2011. New Certificates of Voter Registration were mailed to all registered voters listing federal, state and county districts, new precinct, voting site location and a QR code to link smart devices directly to the Voter Power web page for election information anywhere, anytime.

  

If you misplaced or did not receive your card, you may print your card online at LakeVoterPower.info or call 847.377.2410 to request a replacement. Certificate of Voter Registration is not an identification card nor proof of residency.

Preview November's Ballot Online

 

Registered voters in Lake County may now preview their official ballot at LakeVoterPower.info using the "What is on My Ballot?" link. Simply supply your registration name, house number, ZIP code and date of birth to view the correct ballot for your address. Sample ballots may be printed, marked with the voter's choices and taken into the polls for reference when voting. 

 

Visit LakeCountyClerk.info for more information about County Clerk services and current election news.

Gurnee Police to Present  'Active Shooter' Response Training at Gurnee Mills

 

The Gurnee Police Department has been providing gun violence training sessions to residents in conjunction with neighborhood watch meetings. A 17-minute training video titled "Shots Fired! When Lightning Strikes" has been be presented, followed by questions and discussion. This video is produced by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, located in Spokane, Washington. It is designed to assist in how to recognize and survive an "active shooter" situation in the workplace, in a school or anywhere it may occur.

 
In response to an invitation from the Simon Property Group, the police department will be presenting the training to all Gurnee Mills employees and members of the general public. A 30- to 45-minute presentation will be given in the mall show court near entry G on the following dates/times:

    

  • October 3, 1 p.m.
  • October 9, 1 p.m.
  • October 19, 1 p.m.
  • October 27, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

  • Visit the Gurnee Police Department website for more information.

    Putting the Green in Your Halloween

     

    scarecrow

    The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County is offering tips to help make your Halloween environmentally friendly. Among SWALCO's recommendations are recycling your pumpkin into a Thanksgiving decoration (and then composting it), making Halloween crafts from recycled items, such as egg crates, and holding a parade of recycled costumes in your neighborhood.

     

    Read the Putting the Green in Your Halloween booklet for more ways to keep the environment in mind during your Halloween celebrations.

    Unincorporated Residents Eligible
    for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts

     

    Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of more than $200 a year on their flood insurance policies.

     

    Since 2008, thanks to the leadership of the County Board, Lake County has participated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program. With a Class 6 community rating, residents within unincorporated Lake County who meet certain requirements are eligible for up to a 20% savings on flood insurance premiums. Residents should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information.

     

    In order to maintain its favorable rating, an Annual Evaluation Report for the County-Wide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for unincorporated Lake County was prepared. This report is available on the County's website.

     

    Read the full press release.

    Stay Healthy this Flu Season

     

    flu video Did you know that the flu vaccination can take two weeks to become fully effective? Getting your flu shot early can help you stay ahead of illness.

     

    Watch this video about the flu, flu symptoms and how immunization can help you avoid getting sick from the flu this year. 

    Pertussis Cases Surpass Last Year's Total

     

    The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center reports that the number of pertussis cases in Lake County thus far this year (178) have already surpassed last year's total for the full year (175). This is the highest number of cases reported since 1959. The Health Department is encouraging adolescents and adults to receive the Tdap booster for additional protection against this illness.

     

    "To address this outbreak, everyone 11 years of age and older should receive the Tdap booster," said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director.  "While this illness was on the decline just a few years ago, it is now a major reportable disease in Lake County. And not only Lake County is affected. Illinois currently has the fifth highest number of pertussis cases nationwide."

     

    Read the full press release, or read more about pertussis.

    Upcoming Community Events

     

    Howl'oween Doggie Dash, Waggin' Walk and Costume Contest

    October 20, 9-11 a.m.

    Hunt Club Park, 920 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee

    Bring your pooches to a Halloween event hosted by Gurnee Park District. Test your dog's skills on the new agility course. Free, all ages. More info.

     

    Warren Township Recycle-O-Rama

    October 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    Warren Township Center Highway Department

    17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee

    Bring items to be recycled, including electronics, latex paint (for a charge) cell phones, car seats, propane tanks and batteries. See the full list. Shredding of sensitive documents also will be offered. Non-perishable food will be collected for the Warren Township Food Pantry. More info.

     

    Chocolate, Champagne and Shopping

    November 14, 4:30-9 p.m.

    This event will benefit the Lake County Discovery Museum. More details coming soon.

     

    pumpkin sale

    Grandwood Park News

     

    Consolidated Election

    Have you ever considered serving as a Commissioner on a Park District Board? The Grandwood Park Park District Board consists of five unpaid elected officials, each serving a six-year term. There are three Board Commissioner seats up for the April 9 Consolidated Election.

     

    Candidate Petition Packets are available at the Park District Office, located in the Community Center at 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee. Questions may be directed to Coleen Wattleworth, Local Election Official, 847.356.0008, or by email.

     

    Information on petition filing may be found by visiting the Lake County Clerk or Illinois State Board of Elections websites.

     

    Park District office hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday. December 24 is the last day to file nomination papers in the office of the local election official for the April election. Twenty-five signatures are required for the Grandwood Park Park District. 

     

    Preschool

    Grandwood Park Preschool still has limited openings for 2012-13 school year. Register and take advantage of a tuition freeze. More info.

     

    Jazzercise

    Six days a week, morning and evening classes, 14 classes per week. All fitness levels. Ages 13+.  More info. 

     

    Hobby/Craft Night

    October 5, 5-11 p.m., Community Center

    Bring a snack to share and your own beverages (no alcohol). Check our website for all the details and to register.  Registrations are preferred so we have enough space set up for everyone!  Walk-ins are welcome. $4 per person. More info.

     

    Rentals

    Having a party and need a place to hold it?  The Park District has the perfect place for you at affordable rates. Book your holiday parties now. More info, or call 847.356.0008.

     

    Trick or Treating in Grandwood Park and the Shires

    October 31, 5-8 p.m. Please put your porch light on if you want to participate.

     

    Grandwood Park Civic Association Bingo

    October 12, 6 p.m.

    Come join us for an evening of fun. Cash prizes. Food and beverages for sale. More info. 

    Forest Preserves News

     

    Bonner Country Fair

    Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon at an old-fashioned country fair on October 7, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Bonner Heritage Farm in Lindenhurst. It's a fun-filled day for all ages.

     

    country fair The annual Bonner Farm Country Fair features a petting zoo, wagon and pony rides, crafts, face painting and live entertainment. Play old-fashioned games and guess the weight of our giant pumpkin. Paint a pumpkin or gourd in our craft area and help construct a scarecrow at our scarecrow making station.

     

    Explore the site's hands-on exhibits, including an activity maze, weather station and oversized farm animal cut-outs. 

     

    Admission is $3 per person. Children three and under are free. The parking lot entrance to Bonner Heritage Farm is located on Country Place, off Sand Lake Road just west of Route 45. 

    If you have any questions or concerns, or a community event that you would like to see in this newsletter, please call me at  847-356-4167 (home) or 224-627-0767 (cell) or email me at [email protected].  

      

    Best wishes,

     

    Steve Carlson

    Lake County Board Member and Forest Preserve Commissioner