The Lake County Board approved the list of members who will serve on each standing committee. Members will serve in these positions for two years. I am honored to be serving as the Chair of the Revenue, Records and Legislation committee. Additionally, I will serve on the Planning, Building and Zoning committee, the Public Works and Transportation committee, and the Rules committee.

View committee assignments.  Agendas and Meeting Information.

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.

For more information on this project, visit this website.

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: dhewitt@lakecountyil.gov or 847.244.2742.

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

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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.

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.

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.  

If you haven't received your flu vaccination yet, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center reminds you that it's not too late.

"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.

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.