Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Sheriff Tom Dart today dedicated a monument at the south suburban cemetery used by Cook County for the burial of deceased indigents and the remains of unclaimed or unidentified individuals.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Bureau of Technology are proud to announce that Howard Tullman will be the featured guest for the Friday, December 13, 2013 episode of the webcast “Changing the Code.” The production is a new monthly live-stream talk show that features Cook County technology companies, startups, research organizations, events and the people behind them.   The show is produced by the Cook County Bureau of Technology and INXPO, a River North-based streaming technology company.

 "Nelson Mandela was a personal hero – not only for me, but for countless individuals. He taught us that nothing worth fighting for is easily attained. His sacrifice in the pursuit of democratic change has been felt the world over.

“He also reminded us that we should not canonize our heroes. He was a man of flesh and blood who led a disciplined, principled life devoted to justice. He maintained his dignity throughout his quest for freedom.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced agreements with two state agencies to lease the 35th floor of the George W. Dunne Building.  The deals are expected to bring in more than $2 million over the five-year term of each lease.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) will move into the more than 20,000 square foot space on the top floor of the Dunne Building on May 1, 2014.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is teaming up with the Prairie Research Institute of the University of Illinois to create a comprehensive plan for the management of its natural and cultural resources.

The Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan will draw together two traditionally separate disciplines. “Natural resources” include the land, water and wildlife communities inhabiting the Preserves’ nearly 69,000 acres. “Cultural resources” include archaeological sites and artifacts left by early human societies who lived on these lands.

Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials are advising residents to take precautions against the extremely cold temperatures today and in the coming days.

“The temperatures we are experiencing are dangerous and can lead to serious health issues such as frostbite, hypothermia, and heart problems if residents are not prepared,” said CCDPH chief operating officer, Terry Mason, MD, FACS.

Be Aware. Get Prepared. Take Action. Use these safety suggestions:


Dress for the cold:

The Offices Under the President will resume operations Tuesday January 7, 2014. However, the safety of our employees is paramount. Given the likelihood of extreme weather conditions continuing through the morning, those employees who face hazardous travel can choose to use personal time (vacation or floating holiday included). We encourage employees with questions or concerns to contact their Department Head or Bureau Chief.

The heavy snow and Arctic-like weather of the past week should serve as a reminder to pet owners that special precautions should be made for health and welfare of their dogs and cats.