Summer is around the corner, and there is so much to do right here in Lake County. In this video, get a sneak peek inside the new Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee and find out all of the “Must-Do’s” in Lake County this summer. Also, learn how tourism is big business with more than 10,000 tourism-related jobs and adding more than $1 billion to our local economy annually. Watch now.

Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as the area has over 170 lakes, rivers and waterways to visit. Check out BoatingLakeCounty.com as your resource, including maps of all the county’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining, upcoming events and more.

It’s time to lace up your walking shoes and GO Lake County! Founded by the Gurnee Park District in 2016 and adopted by Live Well Lake County, GO Lake County is a walking initiative that promotes healthy and active living. Over 15 park districts and communities across the County have partnered to create programs and events for children and adults. These events are open to all Lake County residents. Visit the new GO Lake County web page and navigate the map and calendar to find a walk specific to your area. If you take a picture at a GO Lake County program, share your photo!  

The boom of cannons, the crack of rifles and the galloping of horse hooves welcomes you at the annual Civil War Days encampment. Wander the camps to see soldiers, civilians and tradespeople at work. Watch as union and confederate forces collide in battle. A large-scale battle can be viewed on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit the 1863 Summer Fair, meet President Lincoln and shop Civil War-era vendors. Kids enjoy period crafts, games and more. 

Daily schedule and coupon

Celebrate Independence Day
Whether you’re looking for a parade, live music and delicious food or a spot to set down your blanket and watch the fireworks, Lake County has lots of ways to enjoy Independence Day. Here are some local celebrations to check out. 

• Beginning June 30 through July 4, join Six Flags Great America in Gurnee at July 4th Fest. Learn more
• Waukegan's American Independence Parade will take place July 1, following Sheridan Road north to Greenwood Avenue. Then, join the city in celebrating our independence at the fireworks display, which will be shot off July 4 near the water plant over the harbor. Good spots to see the fireworks include the harbor area and several places along the beach front.
• Be a part of the Great Lakes Naval Base's Fourth of July celebration on historic Ross Field from 3 to 11 p.m. July 3 and 3 to 10 p.m. July 4. Celebrate our nation's independence with fire-cracking festival fun. Learn more.

Enjoy Music in Waukegan
Check out the Waukegan Public Library's summer concert series from noon to 1 p.m. every Friday through June, July and August in the library's front courtyard. Concerts are free. View the concert line-up.

Also, enjoy Music at Washington Park, featuring the Chi-Town Soul from 6 to 8 p.m. June 22. The concert is hosted by the Waukegan Park District.

“Fight the Bite” this summer and protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, an illness spread by mosquitoes. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center says to follow the 4 Ds of Defense to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to protect yourself from bites.

Since 2002, there have been 64 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County as well as two confirmed deaths. The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program collects mosquitoes in traps around the county and tests them weekly for West Nile virus. Visit the Fight the Bite website to find more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus. 

Sheriff’s Office Warns of Misleading Telemarketers
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received calls from the public stating telemarketers are identifying themselves as calling on behalf of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and soliciting for donations and/or pledges. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not make phone calls soliciting money from the public. If you would like to report the call, contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 847-377-4250.

Jury Duty Scam
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court’s Jury Commission received notification of several occurrences where a male identifying himself by phone as a Lake County Deputy Sheriff tells residents they had failed to appear for jury duty and need to proceed to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan immediately. Residents were told that they had failed to appear for Jury Duty and needed to proceed to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan immediately. Once at the Courthouse, they were instructed to call the Deputy Sheriff stating that they had left their residence. Remember these precautions to protect yourself.

Lake County, along with the Lake County Opioid Initiative is working to combat the increasing opiate problem. Hear from Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim and Bill Gentes, who talk about what is being done to combat the opioid epidemic and learn about programs such as prescription drug disposal boxes and the “A Way Out” program, which are part of the county-wide effort to prevent opioid abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. Watch Now

Those who struggle with substance abuse now have two more locations they can go to seek help 24/7 as part of the “A Way Out” Program. With the additions of Waukegan Police Department and Lake Zurich Police Department, there are now 13 “A Way Out” police entry points in Lake County. Individuals, who possess narcotics or paraphernalia, enter a participating police department and tell an officer they are requesting help will avoid criminal charges as long as the participant seeks assistance. Learn more

Forest Preserve News

Battling Buckthorn
Learn about our efforts to eliminate buckthorn, one of the area’s most invasive plants at this program June 21. Experts will share identification and removal tips. Let us inspire you to join the effort and make Lake County a buckthorn-free zone. Learn more

Senior Series: Gardening with Native Plants
Discover the benefits of using native plants to create habitat for local birds and butterflies at this program on June 27. Plant selection and identification, habitat requirements and maintenance will be discussed. A tour of the Welcome Center's native landscaping will follow an indoor presentation. Learn more

Annual Fund Spotlight
When you give to the Annual Fund, you help us do more. The Preservation Foundation board recently approved a $24,000 grant from the Annual Fund to monitor the population and health of Blanding’s turtles this summer–data that directly strengthens our ongoing Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program.  Learn how you can help.

Did you know solicitors seeking door-to-door purchases or orders are required to comply with a County Board adopted ordinance when working in unincorporated Lake County? 

Door-to-door salespeople must carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job and are allowed to work only between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.  If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see the certificate before conducting any business. You may report unregistered vendors to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by calling 847-549-5200.

This ordinance applies only to unincorporated Lake County and provides exemptions for religious groups, candidates, and minors under age 18 who participate in fundraising activities. If you live in a municipality or village, check with your local officials for your specific ordinances. Learn more

I consider it an honor to be able to serve the Waukegan, Gurnee, Beach Park and Zion communities as your District 2 Board Member.  I hope this newsletter provides you with an insight to Lake County news, local topics and a way for you to connect with neighbors and fellow residents. 

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: 847-244-2742 or dhewitt@lakecountyil.gov.

Remember, you can get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 2 on my Facebook page! Like my page today, and remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!

Thank you,
Diane Hewitt