Assessment notices have been sent out to residents within Zion and Newport Townships. 

The property tax process can be confusing! As blue property assessment notices continue to be mailed to residents across Lake County, you may have questions about what goes into determining your property tax bill, property assessments, and how to file an appeal. Watch this edition of Lake County Update as County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Chief County Assessment Officer Marty Paulson address common questions residents have with their property tax assessments.

A mosquito pool sampled earlier this summer in Zion has tested positive for West Nile virus and is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile presence in Lake County this year. While floodwater mosquitoes are reaching nuisance population levels in the county, the Lake County Health Department reports they do not carry the West Nile virus. The concern is that standing water in items like buckets, gutters, plant containers and debris from flood cleanup will become breeding sites for the species of mosquito that is the primary carrier of West Nile virus.

Remember to practice the 4 D’s to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes: Drain, Defend, Dawn to Dusk, and Dress. Visit the health department’s Fight the Bite Now website to learn more prevention tips and additional information about West Nile virus.

On July 11 and 12, Lake County was inundated by VERY heavy rain. Some communities received over seven inches of rain in a 24-hour period. The rain not only led to flash flooding that impacted roads, homes, parks, businesses, and more, but also resulted in flooding to our major rivers that prolonged flooding in several communities. Take a look at the “Flood by the Numbers”. 

For the latest information on the 2017 flood, which includes helpful resources and what you should do if you've been impacted by flooding, visit our 2017 Flood web page.

Did you use Lake County PASSAGE as a resource for local road information during the flood? The widespread flooding that hit Lake County in July caused major roads to close, and commutes were disrupted for several days in a row. Throughout the disaster, LCDOT had a team of traffic operators and engineers updating Lake County PASSAGE around the clock, and remotely observing traffic conditions to adjust signal timings as flooding events unfolded. This was done in real time to help traffic adjust to road closures and backups.

Whether you are a regular PASSAGE user or if this was your first time - you may be wondering how it works? Here is a video tour of the PASSAGE operation so you can see what happens behind the scenes.

Find your next adventure with our interactive trail map, built on GIS technology. This easy-to-use map will help you locate trails, preserves, activities and amenities within your Lake County Forest Preserves from your phone, tablet or computer. The 2017 Hike Lake County trails are also included on the map. Exercise, relax and spend quality time outdoors along nearly 204 miles of trails in peaceful, natural settings. Learn more and start exploring today!

Hike Lake County
It’s back! Earn your yearly commemorative shield while exploring designated “Hike Lake County” trails and enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. Complete just seven of the hikes between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30 to earn the custom designed shield. Learn more

Work, Earn and Learn with Division of Transportation
Gain paid work experience with the Lake County Division of Transportation as part of its WEL Program. Attend one of the following information sessions to learn how you can work, earn and learn with the Division of Transportation for six months. Learn more about the WEL Program.

When: 10 a.m. Aug. 11 or 2 p.m.  Aug. 18
Where: Job Center of Lake County, 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan

Paid internships available 
Youth ages 18 to 24 who live in Lake County and are currently unemployed may be eligible for a paid internship. Internships expose youth to viable careers while expanding their skill sets and connecting them to training resources to secure long-term employment. Learn more by attending an information session. Learn more 

Job Center of Lake County Waukegan: 3 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Thursdays

Job Center Satellite Office Grayslake: 3 p.m. Wednesdays

The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit recently celebrated the expansion of the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Complex Center in Vernon Hills. The building now features new courtrooms and hearing rooms and more space for the State's Attorney's Office and Public Defender's Office to privately interview clients and witnesses. Watch this video to learn more about the center. 

Discover with your little explorer the places animals make their homes. Hands-on nature activities include a hike, story, craft, and interaction with live animals. This event takes place select Thursdays in August at Independence Grove, and it is open to children ages 4-5 with an adult. Register today

Fred Fest returns to Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington on Aug. 19. Join us for this exciting all-day music festival featuring a full lineup of diverse local bands, food and drinks, and activities for the family. All net proceeds benefit the Preservation Foundation. Learn more

On August 21, people all across the United States will see the sun disappear behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature to rapidly drop and revealing massive streamers of light streaking throughout the sky. Don’t miss out! Stop by Ryerson Woods Welcome Center and join the fun as we experience the solar eclipse. This is the closest the Chicago region has been to the "path of totality" in over 200 years. This event is free and open to all ages; adult supervision is required. Learn more »

Gather with friends and family roasting marshmallows over the fire, stroll peacefully on a nature walk, share a story or bring an instrument to play. Nature activities vary monthly; make sure you bring a cozy blanket and a chair. Learn more