The first two human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County for 2017 have been confirmed. Since 2002, there have been 60 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County, as well as two confirmed deaths. Residents are encouraged to stay active outdoors but to remember to wear insect repellent and take other precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Learn more

On Sept. 1, Governor Bruce Rauner sent a request to the president of the United States asking that he approve federal assistance to help people in the northern Illinois region, including Lake County, recover from record flooding and severe storms in July.

Recently, joint assessment teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reviewed damage in the four counties. If Gov. Rauner's request for Individual Assistance (IA) is approved, people in the approved counties would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. Affected businesses also would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans. Find out more.

Health Risks Still Present for Residents Impacted by Flooding
With flooding cleanup and recovery efforts well underway, residents with private water wells and septic systems are reminded to take precautions to avoid health risks as floodwaters often contain bacteria or other contaminants that can cause illness. Floodwater may have contaminated water wells and caused septic systems to fail. The Lake County Health Department is continuing to offer a free water sample analysis until Thursday, Sept. 7. Learn more

Residents May Be Eligible for Building Permit Fee Waiver
Unincorporated residents who were impacted by the July 2017 flood are eligible for building permit fee waivers for any flood-related repairs, for example, electrical service, furnace or water heater replacements.  Residents in unincorporated Lake County can contact the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department at 847-377-2600 for questions and application requirements.

The July 2017 flood in Lake County and Hurricane Harvey remind us of the importance of coming together as a family and community to prepare. As we observe National Preparedness Month this month, learn tips to help you prepare.

Lake County also has a variety of resources to help you prepare for an emergency. Alert Lake County is your emergency preparedness resource, and watch this video for tips to get emergency alerts. 

Volunteer to help pick up litter and debris along Lake County highways and bike paths. Volunteers adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. The Lake County Division of Transportation provides the equipment. Take a look at the available sections, fill out an application, and join the fun! Submit your application by Friday, Sept. 8. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Veterans are invited to share their stories of wartime experiences on Nov. 10 at the Lake County Courthouse. The veterans’ interviews will be recorded and transcribed by official court reporters and then archived at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project. Civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts are also invited to share their stories. Learn more

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

Forest Preserve News

Carp-O-Rama
Compete to catch the largest and the most carp while helping to reduce the carp overpopulation. Fish to your heart’s content from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 9 in the South Bay of Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Fish from shore only. Boat rental will not available during the event. Illinois fishing license will be required, and state fishing regulations apply. Learn more

Strategic Plan Update
In 2015, the Chiwaukee Prairie Illinois Beach Lake Plain (Lake Plain) was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty for protection of exemplary wetland systems around the world. In June, the Lake Plain received added recognition by the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Wetland of Distinction. This publicly and privately protected ecosystem connects 14 different community types along Lake Michigan in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. Our partnership in this restoration project supports two of five strategic directions to help us achieve our 100-year Vision for Lake County. Learn more

Connecting Trails: Nippersink Forest Preserve
Previously a seasonal retreat for camping and recreational vehicles, this preserve is now a year-round haven for people and wildlife. Visitors enjoy trails, picnicking, birdwatching, and nature observation. Century-old oak trees that rise above two scenic lakes, woodlands, wetlands and marshes offer plentiful habitat for wildlife. Extensive shoreline restoration efforts and improved fish habitats make Nippersink a great place to fish. Anglers can fish from shore or from two wheelchair accessible fishing piers.

The Lake County Division of Transportation is constructing a new multi-use path along Cedar Lake Road that will connect existing trails at Nippersink to the new path. This trail connection is part of LCDOT's project to reconstruct Cedar Lake Road from Route 120 to Nippersink Road. Completion of the entire project is expected by the end of 2018. View closure map. Learn more

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting full-time corrections officers. Apply online, or if you do not have access to a computer, apply online between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Lake County Job Center in Waukegan. Individuals must submit their applications by Sept. 13 and attend a mandatory orientation on Sept. 23.