The recommended FY 2014 budget is now available. The budget is balanced at $487.7 million. The budget has remained flat for the last three years and is $10 million less than five years ago. Lake County maintains its fiscal stability. Earlier this week we discussed the proposed budget at a series of hearings, and adoption of the budget is on the agenda for the Nov. 12 county board meeting. Visit the Budget web portal for budget information and to view the recommended budget. View Board calendar for meeting information. 

Lake County wants to know what it can do to attract young people to live and work here. Leadership Lake County--a brand new young professional initiative that I am spearheading with fellow Lake County Board Member Nick Sauer--aims to retain and attract young professionals. The goal is to develop sophisticated leaders with a 21st century vision that will serve and grow the Lake County community. Businesses and young professionals can learn more about the program on the Leadership Lake County Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LeadershipLC) and can follow on Twitter @LeadLakeCounty.    

Residents looking for information on the new health insurance options available through the Affordable Care Act can talk with counselors in person at locations throughout the county. Counselors will help consumers understand coverage options, determine eligibility, and enroll in affordable health insurance options. To find a convenient location, simply enter your address in our interactive map. Enrollment locations will be highlighted on the map and relevant information about each location displayed.

The Enroll Lake County! initiative is being led by the Lake County Health Department and includes government representatives, community-based organizations, faith and civic groups, library networks, schools, businesses, and primary care providers. Visit EnrollLakeCounty.com for more information.   

The Illinois Route 53/120 Finance Committee will hold its first meeting Monday, Oct. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 West Winchester Rd, in Libertyville. View agenda and visit the Illinois Tollway's Illinois Route 53/120 Website for more information.  

Interested in becoming a Lake County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy? The Reserve Deputy Unit is a volunteer unit which augments the Sheriff's Office in times of natural and man-made emergencies. Requirements and more information here

The application deadline is Oct. 31
Applications can be downloaded here or picked up at 1301 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville

Contact Lt. Ryan McCormack at RMcCormack@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-7020.  

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court will be celebrating Juror Appreciation Week on Oct.15 - Oct. 18. Juror Appreciation Week recognizes and honors the sacrifice and dedication of jurors to our justice system. This year about 9,000 residents will report for jury service. Chief Judge Fred Foreman said, "Our jury system is the best in the world. Jurors have a great responsibility and play a very important role in the justice system. On behalf of the judges of the 19th Judicial Circuit, I wish to express our thanks and appreciation to all those who serve." Watch video.   

Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Metra Train Station
205 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein
This will be the last HCW collection event for the year. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County will be collecting aerosol products, paints, cleaners and more. View their flyer for more information and a full list of accepted products. SWALCO continues to offer Year-round HCW Public Drop-off Events to collect unwanted HCW items at their Gurnee facility, on certain days, by appointment only. See schedule and sign up here 

Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

740 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills  

This event will provide the opportunity for those with unwanted or expired prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to dispose of them properly. On this day, a Vernon Hills Police Department member will be on hand to help collect items that will, in turn, be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), who will destroy them. See list of acceptable items and learn more here.   

Upcoming Programs
Restoration Workdays 

Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.
Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save some of Lake County's natural areas. New volunteers and groups of four or more, please RSVP to Tom Smith, Stewardship Coordinator. More  

Special Events

Chocolate, Champagne and Shopping Fundraiser
Friday, Nov. 15, 4:30 - 9 p.m.
1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Sip champagne and enjoy delicious chocolates while shopping for gourmet kitchen tools, fair trade gifts, candles, jewelry, and more. All proceeds benefit the Lake County Discovery Museum. More info and tickets here.

Forest Preserves News
Seismometer at Ryerson Woods
A seismometer (a sensitive instrument that measures movement in the ground, including earthquakes) was placed underground at Ryerson Woods in the summer of 2011 as part of a nationwide research project, recording earthquakes from around the world. To see if any special activity was recorded today, click here.

Rainbow Trout Season Opens Saturday, Oct. 19
Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken until the fall trout season opens on October 19 at 6:30 am. Most of the trout range in size from three-quarters to one pound. Daily creel limit is five and fishing is free. 

Trout Season Info

Download a guide to fishing or call at 847-367-6640 to request a free copy. 

Small Discoveries-A Happy Halloween
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10-11 a.m.
Lake County Discovery Museum
27277 N Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda
More

Halloween Hikes
Oct. 25-26, 6 p.m., with hikes every 30 minutes
Ryerson Woods
21950 N Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods
60 minute guided group hike along a candlelit path to watch fun nature-themed skits. More

Trick or Treat Trails
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2-7 p.m.
Greenbelt Cultural Center
1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago
More  

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope you find this information helpful.  Please continue to ask questions and suggest topics for the e-newsletter. 

With so much going on at all levels of government, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns regarding this or other issues.  You can reach me via email or on my cell at (847) 971-0454.  

It is an honor to serve YOU on the County Board and Forest Preserve Board.

Sincerely,

Aaron Lawlor

P.S.  If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to sign up so I can get you information directly - especially in the case of a road closure, weather emergency or other issues.