Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program are hosting a special program to encourage discussion and understanding of the adjustment problems facing women after incarceration. The program begins at 6 p.m., on October 17, with the screening of Throwaways, a documentary film made by GSU students.

Originally published at the Cook County Assessor's website: Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios announced there have been numerous reports of people soliciting taxpayers and offering to file exemption applications on their behalf. The solicitors, claiming to be Cook County Assessor’s Office employees, research public records and contact taxpayers who may have failed to file for property tax exemptions in prior years. “I want all taxpayers to be aware that they do not need representation or to pay to file for a Certificate of Error for a missing exemption,” Berrios said.

Originally published at the Circuit Court of Cook County website: Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans and Juvenile Justice Division Presiding Judge Michael P.

Originally published at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County's website The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) filed its 2012 land acquisition plan with the Board of Commissioners October 3rd. The District’s previous land acquisition plan was published in 1994 and updated in 2000. Earlier this summer, the District issued its first General Obligation Alternate Bonds in 8 years, resulting in roughly $25 million in new funding for land acquisition.

Join the Commission on Women’s Issues as we explore the frustrating and often dangerous cycle that women and girls find themselves in when they encounter our criminal justice system.

It's Open Enrollment time again. Time to meet with health professionals, take health screenings, receive wellness materials and learn more about your benefits. The schedule of events for Cook County employees is below. Visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois booth to take your health assessment (you must register for Blue Access for Members in advance and bring your member ID card). If you haven’t already done so, register for WalkingWorks at the event and pick up your free pedometer.

Originally published at the Cook County Health & Hospitals Website: On Friday, October 5, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS) CEO Dr. Ramanathan Raju announced significant progress in two key areas relating to patient care at the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, CCHHS’ flagship hospital. The average time it takes a patient to be seen by a physician at the Stroger Hospital emergency department has decreased by more than 60 minutes.

Cook County’s Solid Waste Management Plan Update, approved earlier this year, tasks the County with continuing to decrease the amount of waste we are sending to landfills. As a part of this effort, The Cook County Department of Environmental Control has partnered with other counties in the region, the sub-county solid waste agencies and the Green Town Highland Park conference to present an afternoon event to discuss commercial food scrap collection in the Chicago area.

The Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender has received a $159,000 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to hire experienced mitigators and create a mitigator internship program, in partnership with graduate programs throughout Illinois. “Government funding is scarce, resources are limited, and this grant is critical to our mission to protect the rights, liberties and dignity of each person whose case has been entrusted to this Office,” stated the Cook County Public Defender, Hon. Abishi C. Cunningham. Mitigation evidence is required by law.

Residents in Lyons and Riverside have seen some big changes in the Des Plaines River. In June of this year, the Hofmann Dam was breached, the last of three low-head dams to recently be removed from the River. The first Hofmann Dam was installed in the early part of the last century, when it was not uncommon for the entire Des Plaines River to dry up. Adding the dam meant that people could still use the water for recreation, even in dry years. “Over the years, the area has developed and the Des Plaines no longer dries up. It’s no longer a natural system,” said Jeffrey K.