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Property owners in Moraine, Shields and West Deerfield townships already have or will soon receive their property assessment notice in the mail. If you wish to file an assessment appeal, you are encouraged to do so on your own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. The appeal deadline is 30 days from the date of publication of the assessment notice, and the exact deadline date is listed on the assessment notice.
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Prior to filing a formal appeal to the Board of Review, property owners are encouraged to contact their local township assessor's office to discuss their concerns.
Visit the Chief County Assessment Office at 18 N. County St., Waukegan any time between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, or call them at 847-377-2050.
Special instructions for residential property owners in Libertyville township: Your assessment notices will be mailed in the latter half of October. Because Libertyville Township is using a different software system, the process for appealing will be different than described above. I’ll share specific instructions for filing an appeal in Libertyville Township in my next newsletter.
Permit Fees Waived for Flood Damage Repairs in September Storms
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Do you need to make repairs to your property due to flood damage from the heavy rains in September?
The Lake County Planning, Building and Development (PBD) will waive all permit fees associated with repair work to structures and top-dressing of damaged surface grading in the unincorporated areas of Lake County necessitated by direct damage from flood waters, retroactive from Sept. 16 to Nov. 1, 2019. In certain cases, including a verified delay in insurance claim approval, this deadline may be extended. For more information, contact PBD at 847-377-2600.
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Illinois Counties Receive Declaration of Disaster Related to June 2019 Storms
Lake County residents who experienced significant flood damage from the severe storms on June 26, 2019 may be able to apply for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help with damage repairs. The SBA recently approved a request from Illinois to assist people and businesses in northern Illinois impacted by the June storm, which resulted in torrential rain and severe flash flooding that caused damage to more than 200 homes. |
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The approved SBA disaster declaration makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses. While the majority of the damage occurred in Will and Cook counties, properties in Lake County that were affected by the storm on June 26 may qualify for the SBA disaster loan. For more information, contact the SBA at 202-205-6734 or visit their website. The application deadline is Nov. 25, 2019. Please note: this only applies for the June 26, 2019 storm event. The September storms are not covered under this declaration.
Residents who do not qualify for the SBA disaster loan may have other options like the Stormwater Management Commission’s voluntary floodplain buyout program. Lake County residents who have homes that are repeatedly damaged and are interested in looking into a buyout for their property can contact Sharon Osterby at 847-377-7706 or via email at SOsterby@lakecountyil.gov.
Census Complete Count Committee Formed
The Lake County Board voted to create a 2020 Complete Count Committee (CCC), a Special Advisory Group to provide direction and advice to ensure an accurate 2020 census count of Lake County residents.
The CCC consists of seven Lake County Board Members, five mayors from Lake County municipalities and representatives from many local organizations. The responsibilities of the committee include establishing relationships with several independent organizations and to encourage all organizations to work together to ensure an accurate census count. Learn more
Tune in to Annual Lake County Board Budget Hearings
The Lake County Board will hold initial hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2020 budget on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. If needed, an additional hearing will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 18. During these hearings, board members carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget in November.
The budget hearings will be recorded and posted on lakecounty.tv within two days after the meetings. The hearings will also be televised on Comcast Cable, either channel 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and on AT&T channel 99 throughout the months of October and November. The public may also attend the budget hearings in person. The hearings will take place at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan.
A full schedule of board meetings and agendas, including those related to the budget hearings, can be found at this link.
Congratulations to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, which has become just the second in the state to receive accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. To earn the accreditation, Coroner Howard Cooper’s office went through a rigorous process, and documented and met 230 stringent standards ranging from administration and office set-up to autopsy procedures and crime and death scene protocols. The process also included a site visit from members of the group and interviews by the group with local law enforcement.
Grandwood Park Lake Dam Reopened
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The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (LCSMC) works hard to address and correct local flooding issues. One of the ways LCSMC does this is by partnering on projects that have a large impact on minimizing a community’s flood risk. The Grandwood Park Lake Dam, which was experiencing constant flooding and was in danger of collapse, is just one example of how LCSMC partners with communities to address floodprone areas.
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Through the collaboration between Grandwood Park, the Grandwood Park District, LCSMC and other partners, the dam was rehabilitated to help with flood control in Grandwood Park and other communities downstream. Officials recently celebrated the reopening of the dam, which passed its first test with flying colors due to the recent rains Lake County has received. Watch the video
Lake County Uses Responsible Salt Practices
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Applying road salt is a common winter maintenance practice for de-icing our roadways. However, road salt washes away and ends up in lakes, streams and groundwater supplies, which can threaten aquatic plants, animals and even human health.
Each year, Lake County hosts the Annual Deicing Workshop for snow and ice professionals, to promote alternative winter maintenance practices and the importance of responsible road salt use. Watch this video to learn how Lake County agencies are working with public and private partners to reduce salt by using safe alternatives - like salt brine and beet juice!
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Kids Korner at the Lake County Courthouse
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Since opening its doors in the Lake County Courthouse 25 years ago, Kids’ Korner has provided a safe haven to more than 53,000 children involved in the court system. This free service for children ages 2 – 12 provides a safe and enjoyable waiting area for children who are in the Lake County Courthouse either to testify in court or whose parents or guardians are conducting court business. The children’s waiting room is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn more
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Flu season is coming – will you be prepared?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 61,200 Americans died of flu and its complications last season. The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and serious complications.
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot before the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune system to fully respond and for you to be protected.
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The Health Department offers the flu vaccine by appointment at its Community Health Centers throughout Lake County. To make an appointment, call (847) 377-8800. Retail clinics, pharmacies, and individual healthcare providers also provide flu shots. To find a convenient location to get your family’s flu vaccinations, visit vaccinefinder.org.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer, and can occur in both men and women. Women ages 55 and older and those with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Breast cancer that is found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.
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The Health Department offers free breast cancer screenings to eligible Lake County residents, ages 50 and older, through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), located at the Health Department’s 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan location. Women who are eligible from the program can receive medical exams, clinical breast exams, and referrals for a free mammogram at a local hospital. To find out if you are eligible, call (847) 377-8430 or visit the Health Department’s website.
Protect Against Mosquitoes
Do you have issues with mosquitoes in your backyard? Lake County Health Department Senior Biologist Mike Adam has some helpful tips for you! Watch the video |
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Help Curb Underage Drinking
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The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Stand Strong Coalition are proud to announce a new initiative to assist in curbing of parties where underage drinking and drug use is taking place.
Stand Strong Coalition purchased a four-year membership to tip411 where members of the community can anonymously send a message if they have information of a situation where underage drinking or drug use is taking place. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is taking the lead in monitoring any submitted tips. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News
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Picturesque Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest is one of only a few places in Lake County that offers free public access to Lake Michigan. A team of forest preserve planners, ecologists and educators have been continually working to restore the land and preserve and interpret its valuable ecosystems and rich human history. Learn more »
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Celebration of Souls Exhibit
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Job Fairs in October
Looking for a job? There are many job fairs and career workshops to help you land your next job happening in Lake County in October!
Manufacturing Job Fair - Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.at College of Lake County, A- wing hallway, 19351 W. Washington Street Grayslake.
Pre- registration required. Learn more
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Grayslake Job Fair - Thursday, Oct. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Center of Lake County, Room 142, 1200 University Center Dr. Grayslake. Learn more
Manufacturing Month with Six Events
College of Lake County is celebrating Manufacturing Month with an array of events in October including the above mentioned Manufacturing Job Fair, career talks, open house and more. Learn more
Community Events and News
Illinois Regional College Fair
Learn about 170 colleges and universities at the Illinois Regional College Fair on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at College of Lake County, Physical Education Center, building 7, 19351 W. Washington St. Learn more
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Household Chemical Waste Event
Schedule an appointment to drop off CFL bulbs, unwanted prescription, over-the counter medicines and supplements, household cleaners, gasoline, garden chemicals, pesticides, oil-based paints (no latex) and varnishes, as well as other household chemicals. On Saturday, Oct. 12 and Monday, Oct. 28 at 1311 N. Estes Street Gurnee. Appointments are required. Learn more
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Early Childhood Essentials Conference
The public is invited to attend a free forum on “Early Childhood Essentials in Lake County,” featuring keynote speaker Geoffrey A. Nagle, President and CEO of the Erikson Institute, who will discuss brain science as it relates to early childhood development. The event is co-hosted by Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, and will take place Oct. 17 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Learn more
Learn the importance of credit history, how to build credit scores, calculate credit scores, dispute errors in credit reports, where to get help with credit reports, and how credit history impacts access to credit, loans and other services at this FREE Class offered in partnership with the Lake County Treasurer's Office on Wednesday Oct. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose room, University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake. RSVP to
amathews@lakecountyil.gov or call 847-377-2043. Learn more
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Financial Literacy Course
Learn how to set financial goals, create a savings plan, maintain a personal budget, and more at a Finance 101 workshops offered by the Illinois Comptroller’s Office and the Lake County Treasurer's Office on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1200 University Center Dr, Grayslake. Register at
treasurer@lakecountyil.gov or call 847 377 2043. Learn more
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Pine Dunes Walk-Rx for Health
Enhance your health and come for a 1-2 mile walk guided by naturalists and healthcare providers on Oct. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Dunes Forest Preserve, 42909 Hunt Club Rd., Antioch. The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. Children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Learn more
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Come to this month-long celebration of ancient reptiles, the crocodilians. There will be special feeding demonstrations and opportunities to meet the reptiles up close in a safe environment.
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Oct.6: The American Alligator
Oct.20: The Morelet's & The Philippine Crocodile
Oct. 27: The Orinoco Crocodile
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wildlife Discovery Center, 1401 Middlefork Dr, Lake Forest.Learn more
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Lake County’s Trick-or-Treat Guide
Whether your child will be a ghost, a goblin, a clown, or princess, get ready because it’s time for Halloween in Lake County! View the trick-or-treat hours for your area.
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