Administering the criminal justice system is one of the primary functions of county government. Lake County's growing population has placed a huge demand on the court system, and the County currently has a shortage of courtrooms and facility constraints to meet this demand. 

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.

If you haven't received your flu vaccination yet, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center encourages you to get one during National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), Dec. 2-8. NIVW serves as a reminder that it is not too late to get a flu shot.

"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."

Read the full press release or watch a video about how a flu shot can help keep you healthy.  

With winter driving conditions around the corner, preparing your vehicle with just a few items can go a long way toward making travel safer this winter season.  

Watch this video as Kent McKenzie, of the Emergency Management Agency, shows how a few common items can make your vehicle a lot safer.