Be Aware of Deceptive Phone Calls
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a current scam where the caller says, “This call is to inform you there is an arrest warrant issued for your name and identity. Before the warrant is issued to the State get back to us by calling 219-225-8553.” Don’t give identifying or personal information to anyone over the telephone, unless you have confirmed who you are speaking with.

Become A Lake County Deputy Sheriff

The Lake County Sheriff’s Merit Commission is accepting applications for Lake County Deputy Sheriff through May 31. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age at the time of orientation, a high school graduate (or GED), and possess a valid driver's license. Apply today.

Learn About Law Enforcement Careers
Are you considering a career in law enforcement? The Job Center of Lake County recently partnered with the Lake County Technology Campus and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to talk to students about pursuing a career within criminal justice. Watch this video to learn more. 

The Lake County Treasurer collects and distributes taxes on behalf of 200+ taxing bodies in the county. In this video, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor explains how high property taxes are directly linked to the high number of taxing bodies and takes a closer look at how the Lake County Board is working to reduce the property tax burden through consolidation efforts. Watch Now

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings to the public this spring and summer. These full-day workshops will provide adults with the knowledge to identify and support adolescents who are at risk or displaying warning signs of mental health/substance use problems or experiencing a mental health crisis. Registration is required. View all upcoming trainings.

It's a great time to go for a bike ride! Lake County has more than 550 total miles of trails and bikeways, connecting forest preserves and communities. Discover bike paths near you by using our Bike Lake County application.

Forest Preserve News

Native Plant, Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale
Purchase native flowers and woody plants, a rain barrel or compost bin, and learn about eco-friendly practices to benefit your home, pocketbook and the community at the Native Plant, Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Independence Grove in Libertyville. On Saturday only, rain barrel and compost bins will be available for sale from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. View the native plant species available.

Forest Fitness
Join the Lake County Forest Preserves and dozens of local park districts in the new Go Lake County movement. This countywide low-impact fitness initiative aims to empower Lake County residents to improve their overall health through the simple act of walking. And, there’s no greater benefit to our bodies and minds than walking in nature. Our outdoor hiking programs offered in forest preserves throughout Lake County are a natural fit to get you going. Attend our weekly Forest Fitness hikes, which are now part of the Go Lake County initiative, or take friends and family along for a hike on any of our scenic preserve trails.

Spring Bird Walk

May is the month for songbird migration. Join skilled birders on these walks from 7 to 9 a.m. on select days throughout the month. Bring binoculars if you have them. See days and locations. 

Sunset Paddle
Enjoy a relaxing paddle and watch the sunset from Hastings Lake on May 20, at 7 p.m. Bring your own equipment or use one of our kayaks. No experience required, but it is recommended. Register today.

Wildlife in the Preserves
By early June, coyote pups begin to venture out of the den that has sheltered them since birth. In early summer, we often receive reports of sightings due to increased daytime activity. When dens are located near trails we install signs to inform trail users about coyote behavior and how to safely respond if a sighting occurs. Learn more at LCFPD.org/coyotes. 

Public Access Project to Begin at Ethel’s Woods

Lake County residents are one step closer to being able to experience the breathtaking beauty of Ethel’s Woods Forest Preserve in Antioch. At their February 13 meeting, the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners awarded a $824,522 contract to Campanella & Sons of Wadsworth, to build trails and parking at the preserve starting this spring. 

 
Ethel’s Woods currently is closed and does not have public access as it undergoes a major multi-year land restoration effort. Planned public access improvements to the 500-acre preserve will include an entrance drive from Miller Road, a 25-car parking lot, toilets, a 0.7-mile gravel loop trail and three scenic overlooks. A 0.7-mile section of the Millennium Trail will run along the western edge of the preserve. Weather permitting, these improvements are expected to be completed and open to the public in early summer 2019.  Learn more.

Lake County Public Works recently completed upgrades to the Des Plaines River Water Reclamation Facility, which will reduce the amount of phosphorus discharged into local waterways. Now all three of Lake County’s water reclamation facilities have a new biological process for treating water. Watch this video to learn more.