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October 18, 2019
County News
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Lake County Board Approves Strengthened Ethics Ordinance
At its Tuesday, Oct. 8 meeting, the Lake County Board passed an overhaul of its Ethics Ordinance, adding new sections and renaming it the Ethics and Conduct Code. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide a framework for the ethical and legal standards that county officers and employees must follow while conducting county business.
The major changes in the ordinance include adding a new conduct section for board members, the addition of an impartial hearing officer to the ethics complaint process, and a provision that requires recusal of a board member named in a complaint from participating in any closed-door sessions about the complaint. Read 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.
Property Assessment Appeals Must be Filed Electronically in 2019
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Assessment notices are being mailed this week to property owners in Waukegan Township. 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 for Waukegan Township is Nov. 12.
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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.
How to File an Appeal
- On the Lake County SmartFile E-Filing login page, create an account or log in to your existing account.
- You will be directed to a portal where you can complete the entire appeal process.
View a video tutorial for filing your appeal.
Download printable instructions to file your appeal.
- When you have entered all the information required for your appeal, be sure to go to the section labeled submit, type in your name and press the submit button. You will receive an email confirmation that your appeal has been received.
Need Help?
Visit a Tax Assessment Help Center
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.
Permit Fees Waived for Flood Damage Repairs
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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.
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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.
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
Transportation News
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Kenosha Road in Beach Park to be Closed
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that as part of ongoing realignment of Kenosha Road at Green Bay Road (Illinois 131), in Beach Park, Kenosha Road will be closed between Green Bay Road and Cypress Drive starting this week, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 14. A detour will direct traffic to Green Bay Road and 21st Street. Learn More
Forest Preserve News
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Conservation Forum Sunday, Oct 20
Teacher Open House
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Learn about exciting programs and resources for your class at the Dunn Museum Teacher Open House for Lake County educators. Take part in sessions with Museum Education staff and Environmental Education staff, including learning about the new Teacher Ambassador program.
Registration is required for the free open house that takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Learn more »
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Celebration of Souls Exhibition
Family Celebration Day
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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Health News
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Flu season is coming – will you be prepared?
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 respond and provide protection. |
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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
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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. 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. Women who are eligible from the program can receive medical 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.
Environmental News
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Grandwood Park Lake Dam Reopened
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. |
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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. 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 rain Lake County has received. Watch the video to learn more.
Lake County Uses Responsible Salt Practices
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. |
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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!
Sheriff News
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Lake County’s Amazing K9 Dax
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Congratulations to Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Dax, who with the help of your tremendous outpouring of votes, was named the winner in the law-enforcement category at the 2019 American-Humane Dog Awards. Because of your support, K9 Dax and Deputy Forlenza earned national recognition and walked the red carpet in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more
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Corrections Officers Wanted
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is now hiring Corrections Officers. If you are seeking a career in law enforcement, consider corrections.
Corrections Officers are valued members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office team, and are responsible for securing inmates in the Lake County jail. Applicants must apply by Nov. 1, and attend a mandatory testing and orientation session on Nov. 9. Learn more and apply
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Drug Take Back Day Oct. 26
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Do you have expired, unused or unwanted prescription or over the counter drugs in your home? It’s important to safely dispose of them. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the DEA and Rosalind Franklin University for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more
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Halloween Safety Tips
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will have increased patrols on Halloween to help ensure the safety of those trick-or-treating. Sheriff John Idleburg and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office want to remind the community of some important safety tips for motorists: |
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Use extra caution, as more children will be in or near the roadway than normal
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Reduce your speed as you approach trick-or-treaters who might be preparing to cross the roadway – children may move in unpredictable ways
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Pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right-of-way, so be sure to stop so they can cross
Community Events and News
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 Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October
Learn the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, as well as how to help friends and loved ones involved in domestic violence situations at a Domestic Violence Awareness Program, hosted by the Faith Committee of Lake County’s Domestic Violence Council. The event will take place Monday, Oct. 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Ray Bradbury room of the Waukegan Public Library, 128 North County Street, Waukegan. Learn more
 2019 Waukegan Halloween Trick or Treat Trail
Families will have the opportunity to interact with costumed characters, scenes and sounds along the Halloween Trial. The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bowen Park, 1899 N. Sheridan Road., Waukegan. Costumes are encouraged. Children will receive treats. Learn more
 Independence Grove Walk-Rx for Health
Enhance your health and come for a one to two mile walk guided by naturalists and healthcare providers on Nov. 2 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd,, Libertyville. 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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CLC Announces New Scholarship
Opportunity
The College of Lake County Foundation recently announced a generous gift from Wilverlyn “Joye” Williams, a CLC graduate and U.S. Navy veteran, to fund a scholarship.
The scholarship is available beginning fall semester 2019, and provides a $500 award per semester to be used for tuition, fees, books and any other educational expense.
The eligible student must possess a high-school diploma or equivalent and pursue a degree or certificate in any program of study. Learn more about the eligibility criteria and apply online.
Zombie Wauk in Waukegan
Come out for the Zombie Wauk, listen to rock bands, get face painting, or simply enjoy the food on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Artwauk, 14 S Genesse St. Waukegan. Learn more
Celebrate 100th Anniversary of 19th Amendment
Next year is the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Come and celebrate with Susan B Anthony, an inspiring woman who was an American social reformer and icon of the woman’s suffrage movement. Anthony is portrayed by storyteller Lynn Rymarz in two performances, which will take place on Monday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., at the College of Lake County Auditorium in lower level of Building A, 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. To reserve your seat, call 847.377.2408 or email
electionjudge@lakecountyil.gov.
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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