The Lake Forest Podcast

The Lake Forest Podcast

By Pete JansonsSociety & Culture
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The Lake Forest Podcast episodes

  • The 4th Ward Deserves Reliable Cell Service – Join the Conversation! The Lake Forest Podcast

    In this episode, we're addressing the ongoing debate around the proposed cell tower in Lake Forest’s 4th Ward. While some opposition groups prioritize maintaining certain aesthetics, we're here to make the case that reliable cell service is a necessity – not a luxury – for our community. With frequent dropped calls and unreliable connectivity, this tower could be a game-changer for local residents and businesses.
    We’ll discuss why we believe function should come first, especially for the 4th Ward’s everyday needs, and how enhanced service can benefit everyone. Plus, we’ll touch on Lake Forest’s local elections and highlight our dedicated sponsors who support the community and this podcast.
    Join us for an in-depth look at an issue that affects us all!"
    Hashtags: #LakeForestPodcast #4thWardConnectivity #CellTowerDebate #FunctionOverAesthetics #CommunityFirst #LakeForestNews #LakeForestNeeds #LocalElectionsLakeForest

    51 min
  • Exclusive Interview: LFOLA CEO Ryan G. London on Open Lands, Bonfires, and Community Conservation

    Join us for an exclusive interview with Ryan G. London, President & CEO of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA), as he shares insights into the organization’s mission to preserve and protect nature in the community. We dive deep into the significance of LFOLA, the success of their Bagpipes & Bonfire event, and how conservation efforts are shaping the future of Lake County.

    Ryan also talks about the exciting upcoming initiatives at LFOLA, including the Oaktober Tree Sale and what’s next for nature preserves like Mellody Farm. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the importance of local conservation, community events, and the long-term impact on the environment.
    🎧 Listen now to stay informed on all things conservation and community involvement with LFOLA!
    Key Moments:
    0:002:31 - lfola.org CEO Ryan G. London, President & CEO joins the show
    5:05 - What is Open Lands?
    6:39 - Bagpipes and Bonfire Event https://lfola.org/bagpipes-bonfire-th...11:55 - George Pandaleon clip on attendance
    14:45 - What gets burned?
    17:40 - How long does the bonfire take to burn out?
    18:37 - Getting ready for next year's Bonfire and Bagpipes event
    21:14 - Confused with Forest Preserve referendum
    21:20 - Other fundraisers
    23:04 - What is Mellody Farm? https://lfola.org/your-preserves/mell...26:28 - Ellen Stirling clip
    27:53 - Lake County Forest Preserve referendum
    35:00 - Is the County Preserve a competitor?
    38:00 - Camping discussion
    42:14 - COVID created spike in camping in state and national parks
    45:25 - Oaktober Tree Sale
    49:10 - What's the deal with (or was) Lake Bluff Golf Course?
    55:02 - Tree Sale
    58:55 - What's with the bees situation?

    1 hr 5 min
  • Eric Rinehart on Racial Disparities: "Diversion is Critical" – Clyde McLemore Calls It "Bullshit

    In this clip from the Lake County Bar Association Debate on October 23, 2024, Eric Rinehart discusses the role of statistics and diversion programs in addressing racial disparities in the justice system. As Rinehart concludes with, "Diversion is critical to any racial disparities in our justice system," Clyde McLemore, an African American attendee, reacts bluntly, saying, "I’ve never heard such bullshit!"
    🎥 Credit to Clyde McLemore for capturing this moment live. Watch the full video on Clyde’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100088879265290/videos/1088130199489178/
    #LakeCountyDebate #EricRinehart #ClydeMcLemore #MaryCole #RacialDisparities #JusticeSystem #LakeCounty #PublicSafety #MaryColeForLakeCounty

    1 min
  • Mary Cole's Closing Statement: Rinehart's Deal Leads to Valeria Rodriguez's Tragic Murder

    In this powerful closing statement from the Lake County Bar Association Debate, Mary Cole, candidate for Lake County State's Attorney, addresses Eric Rinehart's handling of the Shorbonia Poole case. Cole highlights how Rinehart’s plea deal allowed Poole, previously charged with armed robbery and weapon offenses, to remain free, leading to the tragic murder of 15-year-old Valeria Rodriguez in Round Lake Beach. Cole argues that this case represents a failure of leadership and justice in Lake County.
    https://www.maryforlakecounty.com/
    https://www.maryforlakecounty.com/lake_county_bar_association_debate
    https://www.maryforlakecounty.com/rinehart_s_sweetheart_deal_leads_to_murder_of_round_lake_beach_girl
    🔔 Subscribe for more updates on the Lake County State's Attorney race and community safety issues.
    #MaryCole #EricRinehart #ValeriaRodriguez #LakeCounty #LakeCountyDebate #JusticeForValeria #PleaDeal #GunViolence #RoundLakeBeach #PublicSafety #CriminalJustice #IllinoisPolitics #StateAttorney

    1 min
  • 🏈 Local Happenings, Lake Forest High Football, and Halloween Candy Debate 🎃 | Lake Forest Podcast

    Join Skoo Walker, Joe Weiss, and Pete Jansons as they cover all the latest in Lake Forest! 🌳 From local happenings 🗳️ to school safety, and even a fun Halloween candy debate 🍬! Plus, check out the talk on Lake Forest High School football’s Wildcat meat week 🏆 and the recent Forest Beach pathway project completion 🚶‍♂️.

    🏛️ What can the caucus do to appease opposition groups?
    🏖️ Forest Beach Pathway project completed
    📚 What happened at the book sale?
    🛶 Lake Forest resident boater incident
    🍭 Halloween candy favorites and least favorites!
    ☕ Elawa Cafe review
    📢 Key moments include:
    0:00 - Intro
    5:20 - Skoo Walker joins the show
    7:25 - Shout out to Connor Clark announcing the Nebraska vs. Indiana Football Game:    • Connor Clark's Journey in Sports Broa...  8:30 - Lauren Weiss's article on Skoo: https://theforestscout.com/51275/in-l...12:10 - Local topics: What can the caucus do to appease the opposition groups?
    14:00 - Forest Beach pathway project completed
    17:34 - What happened at the book sale? https://patch.com/illinois/lakeforest...21:40 - Lake Forest resident boater incident
    24:10 - One of the most favorite podcasts: Golf course rankings    • Ranking The Most Elite Golf Clubs of ...  24:30 - Deerpath Public Golf Course
    27:50 - Great food at... (Incomplete, consider finishing this point)
    38:20 - Lake Forest High School Football chat: Wildcat meat week - Libertyville vs. Lake Forest Scouts
    42:40 - Smoke 'Em Award?
    49:25 - Halloween candy
    57:03 - Elawa Cafe
    1:07:14 - Clerk Lake County Anthony Vega Mail-In Voting Show:    • Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega | Vote...  #LakeForestPodcast #LakeForestHappenings #HalloweenCandyDebate #LakeForestFootball #LocalNews #LakeForestEvents #SchoolSafety

    1 hr 11 min
  • Is 60% Turnover in the State's Attorney's Office About Leadership or Pay? | Just A Guy's Opinion

    #LakeCountyElections #StateAttorneyDebate #MaryColeHey everyone! Welcome to Just a Guy's Opinion. Today, we're talking about the 60% staff turnover in the Lake County State's Attorney's office. Is it due to poor leadership and a toxic work culture, or is the only answer to increase expenses?
    Join us as we break down both sides, with Mary Cole highlighting the need for better office culture and training, while Eric Rinehart focuses on salary raises as the solution. Does throwing money at the problem fix the issue, or is there a deeper need for leadership changes? Let’s dive in.
    A vote is a terrible thing to waste.
    Fair Use: This video contains clips from the Lake County, Illinois, Candidate Forum: Circuit Court Clerk and State's Attorney, co-sponsored by the Leagues of Women Voters of Lake County and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, held on Oct. 10, 2024. The content is used under the principles of fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. All rights belong to the original copyright holders.
    #LakeCountyElections #StateAttorneyDebate #MaryCole #EricRinehart #Leadership #JustAGuysOpinion #VoteResponsibly #LeagueOfWomenVoters #LWV #LakeCountyIL #Election2024 #PoliticalDebate #ManoaMano #CircuitCourtClerk

    3 min
  • Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega | Vote by Mail Unboxing & Election Insights | Lake Forest Podcast

    In this episode of the Lake Forest Podcast, Pete Jansons and Joe Weiss sit down with Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega to discuss everything you need to know about voting by mail, important election updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. Pete even does a Vote by Mail Unboxing of his own ballot! Tune in to learn about the upcoming elections, ballot tracking, and more.
    📌 Topics covered:
    Vote by Mail Unboxing and Process 🗳️
    What You Need to Know About Advisory Questions
    Local Referendums and Their Impact on Property Taxes
    Election Judge Training and Signature Verification
    Clearing Up Voting Conspiracy Theories
    Voter Turnout Projections for 2024
    Why Do We Elect a Coroner?
    Ensuring Your Vote Counts!
    Check out the official Lake County Clerk website for more voting information:
    https://www.votevega.org/https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4926/Cou...https://www.lakecountyil.gov/163/Elec...https://www.lakecountyil.gov/332/Vote...
    Key Moments:
    0:00 Anthony Vega Lake County Clerk Info
    https://www.votevega.org/https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4926/Cou...https://www.lakecountyil.gov/163/Elec...https://www.lakecountyil.gov/332/Vote...2:31 LuLu Looted Criminals Arrested
    https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/20...3:44 Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega Joins the Show
    4:42 Vote by Mail Unboxing of Pete Jansons' Vote by Mail Ballot
    https://www.lakecountyil.gov/343/Voti...https://www.lakecountyil.gov/Document...6:16 Track Your Vote
    https://lakecountyil.ballottrax.net/v...8:20 Cutoff for Vote by Mail: Halloween
    11:15 Why Are All the Republicans on Top of the Ballot? What Are the Advisory Questions in Grey?
    15:10 Lake County Forest Preserve Referendum on the Back of the Ballot?
    19:05 How Do You Fill Out the Ballot and What Do You Do?
    21:50 Voting Options On-Site
    24:00 You Can Research Candidates by Watching Clips of Brad Schneider, Jim Carris, Mary Cole, Andy Dalkin on the Lake Forest Podcast:
    Jim Carris    • 🎙️ Lake Forest's Own Jim Carris Aims ...  
    Brad Schneider    • 🎙️ Rep. Brad Schneider: Balancing 10t...  
    Mary Cole    • 🚨 Mary Cole Returns: Tackling Crime i...  
    Andy Dalkin    • Andy Dalkin Discusses His Run for Lak...  27:00 Why Do We Elect a Coroner?
    28:35 Tin Foil Hat People Conspiracies Regarding the Voting Process
    31:00 Mailmen Dumping Ballots?
    33:30 Checkbacks on Whether Your Vote Has Been Recorded
    34:40 Election Judges Taking ID vs Signature?
    36:25 Signature Recognition Software
    37:00 Voter Turnout Projections
    42:50 Clerk Anthony Vega’s Relationship with the Podcast
    43:20 Anthony Vega’s Transition Plan for the Next Clerk? What Is One Thing You Wish You Would Have Known Before You Took the Position?
    Hosted by Pete Jansons and Joe Weiss.
    Make sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes like this! 🎙️
    Hashtags:
    #LakeCountyElections #VoteByMail #AnthonyVega #PeteJansons #JoeWeiss #Election2024 #LocalReferendums #LakeForestPodcast #VoterEducation #LakeCounty #VoteEarly #ElectionsMatter #LakeCountyClerk

    52 min
  • Open Lands Bagpipes & Bonfire Recap, City Updates, and Mayor George Pandaleon | Lake Forest Podcast

    In this special episode of the Lake Forest Podcast, hosts Pete Jansons and Joe Weiss are joined by former Lake Forest Mayor George Pandaleon. 🎙️

    We kick off with a recap of the Open Lands Bagpipes & Bonfire event 🥁🔥, held on Sunday, September 29, at the Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve. Attendees enjoyed Highland games, a marching piper procession, and a warm community bonfire. The event supports LFOLA's mission to connect people to nature. 🌳
    Learn more about the Open Lands Bagpipes & Bonfire event:
    Event Info https://lfola.org/events-calendar/cel...https://www.grumforlakecounty.com/https://www.maryforlakecounty.com/mar...
    Beyond the event, the conversation covers important updates on:
    🚒 New Police Station: Discussing plans and comparisons with Wilmette’s police station project.
    💰 City Spending & Taxes: Breaking down property taxes, the high school referendum, and potential tax rebates.
    🏗️ Lake County Shore Development: Exploring the $73 million plan to protect Lake Michigan's shoreline.
    📈 Pension Liabilities: How Lake Forest manages pension obligations for long-term stability.
    🏘️ Business Development: Discussing downtown storefronts, TIFs, and local retail challenges.
    Proceeds from the Bagpipes & Bonfire event support LFOLA's mission to connect all to nature through outreach and land stewardship.
    Key Moments:
    0:00
    3:05 Pre Show Chat Bagpipes and Bonfires party at Joe's
    4:00 Fire at Lake Forest Dump?
    4:58 Former Mayor of Lake Forest, Illinois, George Pandaleon
    6:31 Lake County Shore Development plan https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/...6:58 Caleb Williams new house in Lake Forest? https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3...8:27 Former Lake Forest, Illinois, Mayor George Pandaleon background
    10:14 Council Meetings re: City Spending
    10:51 New Police Station
    15:23 How much is the Wilmette Police Station in comparison? https://www.wilmette.gov/Faq.aspx?QID...16:46 What is the issue with this property? What don't people get?
    18:17 Financing Bond for Turf Fields vs The High School referendum bond issue
    20:30 Blame on Randy for taxes versus Dr. Montgomery of the School District. Can we get a rebate on how the School District got the money versus how they should have?
    22:12 How does the tax bill break out? What are we paying for?
    23:10 Can we ask for a rebate from Dr. Montgomery and the School District?
    24:19 How can the taxpayers get their money back like Mayor Urlacher and Mettawa, IL?
    24:52 Pension liabilities?
    31:19 What are the Lake Forest, Illinois, Opposition Groups going to complain about next?
    32:39 What will the Opposition Group advertising be? What will they cry about?
    35:05 What is the beef against this property?
    35:45 Rec Center needs help
    37:05 Lake Forest will get the Police Station done at least half the cost of Wilmette, and we get a new fire station too!
    40:05 Lake Forest police involved with Highland Park massacre
    40:35 Mayor George going to roll call during 2020 chaos to address the troops
    44:30 Any opinions on Lululemon looting?
    45:50 How do we get more businesses other than art galleries in storefronts of Lake Forest, Illinois?
    50:00 TIFs?
    52:50 How does a Mayor make a TIF fair to current renters?
    54:30 Utilization of the Deer Path New Field
    57:25 Private donations and Lake Forest Beach Walkway
    1:00:00 Lake Forest Hospital ER bad rap
    1:01:50 Dr. Mass and Immediate Care on Waukegan Road—Great Place for ER care
    #GeorgePandaleon #PeteJansons #JoeWeiss #LakeForestPodcast #BagpipesAndBonfires #LakeForestIL #HighlandParkMassacre #LululemonLooting #PoliceStation #TIFs #LakeForestHospital #HighSchoolReferendum #PensionLiabilities #DrMontgomery #CitySpending

    1 hr 6 min
  • Scouts Keep Winning 🏈 Bears Keep Struggling 😓 School Hiring Drama Keeps Happening 🏫

    🏈 Lake Forest Football Scouts dominate again, while the Chicago Bears continue to face tough times on the field. We also discuss the latest on school hiring issues, with Dr. Montgomery sending out more emails 📧 than we can count. Plus, get the latest updates on the Lake Forest Police Station 🚔, local bonfire and bagpipe traditions 🔥🎶, and the politics shaping both local and national conversations 🗳️.
    Tune in for all this and more in the latest Lake Forest Podcast episode! 🎙️
    Key Moments:
    0:00 Pre Show Chat: Lake Forest Football Scouts Win Again!
    6:30 Chicago Bears Woes
    9:58 Anything New on the Schools' Hiring Issues?
    11:40 How Many Emails Has Dr. Montgomery Sent So Far?
    12:30 Police Station Update
    14:00 Caucus is Getting Going Again
    15:40 Bonfires and Bagpipes
    19:30 Kemper Sports Management Concessions Contract for Forest Beach and Deerpath Golf Course
    25:00 Local and National Politics Update
    31:45 Ron DeSantis Gave Directions to Baseball Diamond Link to Article
    33:40 Openlands Lawsuit on the Berms?
    35:15 Opposition Group Grumblings: Taxes
    41:34 Lake County Forest Referendum
    #LakeForestPodcast #ChicagoBears #LakeForestScouts #CityCouncil #SchoolUpdates #HighSchoolFootball #Homecoming2024

    47 min
  • Lake Forest Scouts Dominate Warren | Light Tower Drama & City Council Updates

    🏈 In this episode of the Lake Forest Podcast, co-hosts Pete Jansons and Joe Weiss dive into the Lake Forest Scouts' big win over Warren for the first time in 10+ years! The game had everything, from a stellar defense to a surprising delay caused by a light tower outage. The duo also discusses key updates from the recent City Council meeting, including improvements at Northrop Park and the ongoing discussion about disc golf. They even touch on the need for better cell phone coverage on the West Side! Tune in for insights, humor, and the latest in Lake Forest.
    Key Moments:
    0:00 Pre-Show Chat: Lake Forest Beats Warren Township for the First Time in 10 Years!
    8:58 City Council Meeting
    9:23 Northrop Park
    9:56 Why Doesn’t Lake Forest Have a Public Pool? Outdoor and Indoor Pool Discussion
    13:00 What is Disc Golf?
    14:30 Walkway at Lake Forest Beach
    16:34 Cell Towers Came Up in City Council Meeting
    20:58 Chicago Bears are Brutal
    22:40 Chicago Bears Have a Female Running Backs Coach: Would Love to Have Her on the Lake Forest Podcast
    25:50 Donald Trump: Who is the Real Threat?
    36:28 Lake Forest Schools Update
    39:15 Lake Forest Police Station Bids/RFP's
    #LakeForestPodcast #LakeForestScouts #CityCouncil #DiscGolf #LakeForest #WarrenFootball #IllinoisFootball #YouthSports #CellTowers #NFL #BearsFootball #HighSchoolFootball #petejansons #joeweiss

    49 min

About The Lake Forest Podcast

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Get to know Lake Forest Illinois by listening to conversations with its Residents, Business Owners, and City Government. Pull up a stool and witness where parody meets entertainment. Believe What you…