Lake County News -- Diane Hewitt, District 2
Lake County Launches 'Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local' program
Lake County purchases more than $186 million in goods and services each year including equipment, products, supplies, and services ranging from small to big purchases. In addition, the County spends millions of dollars on roads and buildings. For example, the County Board recently approved a $100 million Courthouse Expansion Project which includes construction of a new nine-story Criminal Court Tower in Waukegan. 

Lake County's new Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local. program aims to connect Lake County businesses-including women-owned and minority businesses-with government procurement opportunities. Lake County is hosting an informational seminar on bid opportunities for the Courthouse Expansion Project on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Businesses are invited to attend this event and learn how to take advantage of opportunities to bid. 

For more information, visit www.LakeCountyCourthouseExpansion.com 
Lake County Lifts Ban on Video Gaming in Unincorporated Area 
The Lake County Board repealed its 2009 ban on video gaming and adopted an ordinance regulating video gaming in the unincorporated areas. Numerous businesses had argued publicly that the County's ban had created unfair competition for them. Following a lengthy discussion, the measure passed by a 11 to 9 vote margin.

Currently, 19 municipalities already allow video gaming and in numerous cases, unincorporated businesses are a short distance from those establishments. The State's Video Gaming Act allows video gaming in licensed bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations and truck stops, and gives local governments the authority to approve or ban it in their jurisdictions. Under the law, businesses are charged a 30% tax on revenue from the machines, and a portion of that goes back to that local government. The board's vote directs future gaming tax revenue into a special fund. The county board also amended the County's Liquor Control Ordinance to establish additional video gaming enforcement tools.


Watch board meeting discussion
August 15, 2013

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: [email protected] or 847.244.2742.

 

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

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Taxpayer Advocates, Help Centers and Other Resources for Property Owners
Many Lake County residents have received their property assessments notices in the mail. Ela, Vernon, Avon, Waukegan and Zion Townships will be receiving their assessments this week. The Lake County Chief County Assessment Office provides a number of resources and tools to assist with evaluating your assessment. For more information, Read Full Press Release or visit Assessor.lakecountyil.gov, and Boardofreview.lakecountyil.gov.
Workforce News
Join us August 26-30, as we celebrate Workforce Development Week.
Each day, we'll take an in-depth look at "5 Steps to your Next Job", the job search process and offer helpful events and information along the way. Join the conversation on Social Media using #workforceweek.  

Tell us about your job search stories, find updates and exclusive online only resources.  For more information, visit their website

Upcoming Job Fairs
August 22nd 10th District Job Fair: Ramada Inn, Waukegan 
August 22nd Veteran and Diversity Fair: Ramada Inn, Waukegan 
August 29th Employment Opportunities Fair: Zion Park District Leisure Center 
September 12th Employment Expo: Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center 

Click here for a "Job Fair Tips" handout
New Modern Roundabout to Open at Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road
After a two month closure of the intersection of Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road, a new modern roundabout will open making the intersection safer and more efficient. The new roundabout will open to traffic on Thursday afternoon, August 15. Click here to read full Project Update

The new single-lane roundabout replaces a four-way stop sign controlled intersection that experienced traffic delays during morning and afternoon rush hour traffic. Modern roundabout intersections improve traffic flow by allowing traffic to yield rather than come to a complete stop at intersections and they improve safety by reducing the potential for the most serious types of traffic crashes. For more information, watch this Video about Roundabouts and Read the full Press Release
Battle of the Bands, THIS SATURDAY!
The Lake County State's Attorney's Office, along with the non-profit group Live4Lali, will be sponsoring the Battle of the Bands on August 17 at the Lake County fairgrounds from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.  

The event will promote awareness about drug misuse, prevention, addiction and overdose.  Come out for some family fun, fantastic food, a live battle of the bands, incredible speakers, raffles, silent auction, local resources, educational opportunities and so much more! For more information, visit www.lali-palooza.org.  

 State's Attorney Mike Nerheim and Sheriff Mark Curran gives some startling statistics about the opiate problem in Lake County, and local residents share their personal experiences with opiate addiction.
Exploring Farmers Markets - Swiss Chard

This week, I bought some Swiss Chard at my local Farmers Market.  Known for being one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, Swiss chard has numerous health benefits. Positively impacting 

blood sugar, working as an antioxidant, and supporting bone health.  I decided to use the following recipe, and it turned out great and I look forward to trying all of the variations!

 

 Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
12 cups Swiss chard, chopped (about 10 ounces)
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons shaved fresh Parmesan cheese

Preparation
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add garlic; saut� 2 minutes or until garlic begins to brown. Add Swiss chard and 2 tablespoons water to pan; cook 3 minutes or until chard wilts. Stir in lemon juice and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese.  

 

VARIATION 1 Quick Caramelized Onions: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil; swirl to coat. Add 2 cups sliced yellow onion and a dash of baking soda; cook 10 minutes or until browned. Add 12 cups chopped Swiss chard and 2 tablespoons water to pan; cook 3 minutes or until chard wilts. Stir in 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Serves 4 (serving size: about 1/2 cup) CALORIES 64; FAT 1.4g (sat 0.2g); SODIUM 253mg  

 

VARIATION 2 Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons pine nuts to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Remove nuts from pan. Add 1/4 cup golden raisins and 1/4 cup water to pan; cook 1 minute. Add 12 cups chopped Swiss chard; cook 3 minutes or until chard wilts. Stir in 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Serves 4 (serving size: about 1/2 cup) CALORIES 90; FAT 4.6g (sat 0.4g); SODIUM 231mg  

 

VARIATION 3 Warm Bacon Vinaigrette: Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 slices applewood-smoked bacon to pan; cook until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; crumble. Remove pan from heat. Add 2 teaspoons cider vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to pan, stirring with a whisk. Pour vinegar mixture over 6 cups chopped Swiss chard; toss. Serves 4 (serving size: about 1/2 cup) CALORIES 39; FAT 2.4g (sat 0.9g); SODIUM 225mg  

 

Recipe by: Carolyn Tesini, Cooking Light
JANUARY 2013