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Water
is a valuable resource that should not be wasted, but it can be easy to lose
track of how much water is used. Read Lake County’s water usage and
conservation guide, which has helpful information
about water consumption, both indoor and outdoor as well as water conservation
tips. Use this knowledge to verify that your home is leak free, and start
conserving water in your daily activities.
 Lake County is
working with state and federal teams, assessing the damage to homes and
businesses impacted by the July floods. Recently, the teams went door to door
to talk to residents. This validation is part of the ongoing Public Assistance
assessment process to determine if the amount of flood damage meets the
threshold to qualify for federal assistance to reimburse local governments and
businesses for costs associated with the floods. Learn
the latest information by visiting our 2017 flood web page.
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 Every year, Lake County departments work together to offer a workshop to keep public and private sector professionals up to date with alternative winter maintenance practices. Both salt and sand used for snow and ice management have negative impacts on the aquatic environment and our watersheds. There are ways for winter maintenance contractors to reduce road salt (chloride) use on sidewalks, parking lots, and roads. Our workshop attendance continues to rise with over 200 attendees last year, and this year is your chance to be a part of it! Register before Sept. 15 to reserve your spot.
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 As students return to the classroom, let’s make sure
they are safe this school year! This means keeping an eye on the road for
school buses and students walking to school and making sure students use their technology
responsibly. Watch this video to watch safety tips from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
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 Learn the benefits of owning a rain
barrel and compost bin as the Solid Waste Agency of
Lake County holds an end-of-summer rain barrel,
compost bin and accessories sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at its Gurnee
facility, 1311 N. Estes St. Both are made using recyclable materials. Some
benefits are:
- Save on your water bill and use
water on your own schedule
- Reduce erosion, flooding and
stormwater runoff
- Help plants resist disease and
improve your soil’s pH balance
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 The second installment of your 2016 property tax bill
is due Sept. 6. Please note you received one bill in May, and you will
not receive another bill for the second installment. If you have misplaced your
second installment coupon, you can print
a copy from the Treasurer's Office website by entering
your PIN or address. View your tax bill and check
payment status.
Keep in mind, while you send your payment to Lake County, the
County only keeps a small portion (about 7%), and the rest is distributed to
many other taxing districts. Visit Lake County’s
property tax information page to learn more about the
property tax process, including what Lake County does with its portion.
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 Did you know you can apply for a new passport or
renewal at the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office without an appointment? You
can even get your passport picture taken. Watch this video,
available in English and Spanish to learn about the passport services provided.
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Calling it an “inappropriate interference” to county government, Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 669. The legislation sets a separate process for electing the County Board Chairman in Lake County and requires a local referendum be held in 2018 to seek approval on electing the board chairman directly by voters countywide versus by the members of the county board. Learn more
 The
County Board recently announced the appointments of two leadership positions in
the areas of transportation and public works. Shane Schneider, P.E., MBA will
serve as the new Director of the Lake County Division of Transportation/County
Engineer and Rodney Worden, P.E., will serve as the Lake County Director of
Public Works. Learn more about these appointments.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
If dogs could talk they
would no doubt tell us they love living in Lake County. What’s not to love,
with four great dog exercise areas and a new one on the
way? Good news for our lucky canines is that these romping grounds will get
even better over the next several years.
In 2014, we conducted
a survey to find out what features people would like in a new off-leash
dog area opening at Waukegan
Savanna Forest Preserve. Comments helped shape the park's design
features. By incorporating public feedback, studying the latest
national dog park design trends and complying with the ADA 2010 Standards for
Accessible Design, there are great things in store for dogs and their
owners. The new 11-acre Dog Park is the first phase of
the Conceptual
Master Plan for
Waukegan Savanna. Plans include:
- Shade
shelters
- Separate enclosed area
for dogs less than 25 pounds
- Entrance and 60-car parking
lot at the northeast corner of Delany and Yorkhouse roads
- Toilet and drinking water
for dogs and people
Work on the new Dog Park is underway. Completion is
expected in late fall 2018. Learn more
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 Captain
Daniel Wright Woods
This
peaceful oasis among the bustling suburbs offers four miles of scenic trails: a
short loop for hikers, bicyclists and skiers that circles a pond, and a 3-mile
loop for hikers, bicyclists, skiers and horses. A footbridge spanning the Des Plaines River links
Wright Woods to Half Day
Forest Preserve. Together they offer some of
southern Lake County's most scenic outdoor recreation opportunities.
Wright Woods was named for one of Lake County’s first settlers,
Captain Daniel Wright. The preserve's 750 acres provide one of the
best opportunities to see the powerful effects of water and fire. Prior to
settlement by Europeans, wildfires regularly swept eastward across Lake County,
only to be stopped by the Des Plaines River. Situated just east of the river,
Wright Woods supports a rich oak and maple woodland that sometimes develops in
less frequently burned areas.
In
late summer, look for nesting field birds in the restored prairie. Eastern
bluebirds, tree swallows and red-tailed hawks are commonly seen here,
too. With large stands of maples found at few other places in Lake County,
Wright Woods is also a great place to view autumn colors. Learn more
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 Ela Township Day is coming
Join family-friendly festivities at Ela Township Day from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Knox Park. The day will include a community cookout, music, games and more. Learn more
Join Barrington Street Fest and Dance
Check out three live bands, food trucks, the kids zone and more at the Barrington Street Fest and Dance from 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 in downtown Barrington. Learn more
Lake Zurich Rock the Block
Enjoy dining, dancing and more at Lake Zurich's Rock the Block from 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 9 along Main Street in downtown Lake Zurich. Learn more
Don't miss farmers markets
Don't miss your chance to find fresh fruits vegetables, vegetables and more at the area farmers markets, and check our farmers market finder to discover all the markets across Lake County.
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Barrington: from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 19 at Cook Street and Park Avenue
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Lake Zurich: from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 8 at Paulus Park
Long Grove Irish Days
Enjoy a celebration of Irish culture, music, food and drink at Long Grove Irish Days from Sept. 2 to 4 in the village's historic downtown. Admission and parking are free. View the schedule
Meet Barrington Young Professionals
The Barrington Young Professionals invites all professionals under age 40 to join from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Onion Pub and Brewery in Lake Barrington. Come for drinks, appetizers and professional development as they kick off their new meeting structure. Learn more
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