“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. 

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is launching a data-sharing partnership with Waze, the free, crowdsourced traffic and navigation app powered by the world’s largest community of drivers. Partnering with the Waze Connected Citizens Program gives LCDOT traffic engineers access to real-time road activity as reported by Waze users. Using the data from motorist insights, with information already generated through the Lake County PASSAGE system, operators can make well-informed decisions and act to reduce congestion and help keep traffic moving. Learn more

Anatomy of a Safe Driver
Driving safely requires your attention from head to toe. It may seem obvious, but time and time again we see traffic crashes that would have been prevented if drivers were paying attention and/or following the speed limit. You have the power to make roads safer. Learn more

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

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 the Fourth of July. Check out Visit Lake County’s Guide to the Fourth of July to discover ways to celebrate.

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.

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.

Apply for a new passport or renew your passport as the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office Mobile Passport Team comes to the Waukegan City Hall from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 28. Pictures also can be taken. No appointment will be necessary. For more information, including a helpful passport checklist, visit the Circuit Clerk’s website.

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!  

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.

IRS scam

You may have received a phone call from someone posing to work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as I did. This is a SCAM, and they're trying to take advantage of you. If you believe you have been a victim of an IRS impersonation scam, fill out this form. 

Lake County recently held two Telephone Town Hall Meetings. County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor discussed the County’s current priorities and residents participated by asking questions and sharing what’s important to them.  Listen to the recordings from the June 6 and June 20 meetings.

Make sure not to miss upcoming Telephone Town Halls the County hosts! Sign up today.

Forest Preserve News

Lunchtime Tours: Civil War Stories
Tour the exhibition galleries of the Dunn Museum in Libertyville and hear stories of how men and women from Lake County were involved in the American Civil War: The tours will be offered at noon July 11 and 20. 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