May 22, 2019
County Board News
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County Leaders Support State Capital Bill for Infrastructure Funding
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On May 3, the Illinois Senate Subcommittee on Capital held a public hearing in Grayslake to learn more about infrastructure needs in Lake County. Lake County leaders testified about local needs in the areas of transportation, stormwater infrastructure, affordable housing and mental health services. Find Out More
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What Happened in Committees?
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Health & Community Services Committee
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The committee authorized Lake County’s 2019 video gaming revenue to fund 13 approved grants for $622,170 to provide gambling education and outreach and clinical therapeutic services for gambling addicts. Watch the discussion.
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Law & Judicial Committee
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Authorized grants to provide advocacy services to the currently under-served sexual assault, misdemeanor domestic violence, elder abuse and aggravated battery victim populations. Watch the discussion.
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Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee
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Committee members approved more than $17 million on important infrastructure to help reduce congestion and enhance safety. Watch the discussion.
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Watch All County Board Meetings
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Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
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Property News
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First Installment of Property Tax Bill is Due June 6
The first installment of Lake County property taxes is due June 6. Remember, there are multiple ways you can pay your tax bill. Find out more, including payment options available, how your property taxes are distributed and frequently asked questions.
Property Tax FAQ: What Can Lake County Do?
Lake County has more than 200 individual entities that levy property taxes, which is why the Lake County Board is pursuing partnerships and looking for consolidation opportunities to reduce this number. Consolidation efforts are centered around partnerships that will enhance efficiency, accountability, and cost savings.
One recent example is the dissolution of the Seavey Drainage District. The Lake County Board also recently approved and intergovernmental agreement with Lakes Region Sanitary District that will consolidate sanitary sewer services, allowing Lake County to assume all future operational services will streamline resources and eventually eliminate the District Tax levy. Lake County is also collaborating with public safety partners from across the county to explore opportunities to consolidate many 911 centers into a few regional 911 centers to improve public safety and efficiency, and provide cost savings.
Protect Your Home with Property Check
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The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office provides a tool for homeowners to help protect their biggest investment. Property Check is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers, via email and/or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. The sign-up process only takes a few minutes. Sign up today.
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Transportation News
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Milwaukee Avenue Construction Requires Permanent Lane Closures
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced a culvert replacement and other drainage improvements to Milwaukee Avenue (Illinois 21) at Corporate Woods Parkway in Vernon Hills will require permanent lane closures. In order to complete the project, traffic on Milwaukee Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction approaching the work zone. The work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Provide Input on Biking in Lake County
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Lake County wants to make it easier for you to navigate the county’s walking and biking networks. A public meeting was held May 1 to share information and gather feedback about biking in Lake County. Even if you couldn’t attend the meeting, we want to still hear from you. Learn more about the study and share your comments by taking a brief survey.
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Environmental News
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Meeting to Address Reducing Ethylene Oxide Emissions
The public is invited to attend a meeting on Thursday, May 23 where the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will address planned controls to reduce ethylene oxide emissions from the Medline Industries Inc. facility in Waukegan. The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Whittier Elementary School, 901 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan.
The IEPA will present information about Medline and its emissions and discuss a draft permit to place significant new control equipment to reduce emissions of ethylene oxide from the facility. Learn more by visiting the IEPA website.
Lake County Sets New Flood Stage Record in 2018
Lake County has been experiencing more frequent and stronger rainfall events and hit a new record in 2018 when it went above flood stage during six separate storm events. With current rainfall trends, Lake County could be on track to break 2018's flood stage exceedance in 2019. Rainfall events this year have already caused river levels to exceed flood stage four times. The increased rainfall not only impacts the Stormwater Management Commission but also other Lake County operations, including the Lake County Division of Transportation and Public Works, which has to factor rainfall into designs for infrastructure improvements, and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, which is the lead on flood response efforts for the County. Read more.
National Public Works Week
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It’s National Public Works Week, which is a perfect time to recognize the Lake County Public Works professionals who not only maintain the County’s water quality, but who also act as first responders during emergencies like floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Watch this video to see what Public Works employees do to maintain and repair 12 separate water systems in Lake County.
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Health News
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Crisis Care and Mental Health Services
As Lake County joins the nation in recognizing May as Mental Health Month, we are committed to help residents maintain their health and well-being. There are a variety of support services available to those experiencing problems related to emotional and mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction. This includes the 24/7 Crisis Care Program, Text-A-Tip, A Way Out program, and prescription drug collection boxes across Lake County. |
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Learn more about these mental health and crisis care services in Lake County by viewing this interactive story map!
Jobs News
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Make an Impact on Homelessness in Lake County
Become a part of the Continuum of Care that supports those experiencing homelessness in Lake County. The Lake County Coalition for the Homeless is searching for an AmeriCorps VISTA to serve for the 2019-2020 term. If you are looking to make an impact in the fight to end homelessness in Lake County and are interested in learning about local government and nonprofit management in the process, this might be the position for you! Apply to join the team.
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Forest Preserve News |
Comic Book Cover Contest
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Draw or paint your own original comic book cover. Be inspired by your favorite characters or create a cover of your own. Submit your cover art to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville by June 1 for a chance to win a guided tour of the Marvelocity exhibition with comic book artist Alex Ross! Learn more »
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Wine and Nine
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Enjoy a 30-minute golf clinic and a round of nine holes at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park, followed by hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting: 4:30 p.m., Fridays, May 31, June 14, July 19 and August 9. Cost is $49 per person. Must be 21 or older. Register today »
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Forest Preserve Golf Courses Benefit Nature, Challenge Your Game
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A new golf season means awakening three public courses from winter dormancy, bringing their rolling terrain, sand bunkers and short-trimmed greens up to par. When it comes to golfing features, the three courses operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves – ThunderHawk in Beach Park, Countryside in Mundelein and Brae Loch in Grayslake – take on separate personalities that appeal to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. Each course also provides valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat that benefit nature and challenge your game. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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 Memorial Day Observances
Vernon Hills Memorial Day Plans
Join members of American Legion Post 1247 at Memorial Day events in Vernon Hills beginning Friday, May 24. Learn more
Memorial Day Observance at CLC The 12th annual College of Lake County Memorial Day ceremony will take place at noon Friday, May 24 in Café Willow at the Grayslake Campus. The public is invited to attend. Following the ceremony, there will be a luncheon for veterans in Café Willow, and refreshments will be served in CLC's new veterans lounge in Room C181. Learn more
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 Lake County Students to Compete at Scripps National Spelling Bee
Good luck to Samantha Gass of Deerfield, Saroj Chilakuri of Lindenhurst, and Arabella Mallari of Round Lake who will compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 26 in Maryland. Watch this video as fourth- through eighth-grade students from over 100 schools competed at the Lake County Spelling Bee, presented by the Regional Office of Education.
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