The Lake County Board recently declared its intent to create a program that will provide commercial property owners in Lake County a long-term funding option for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects. The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program will be provided through the federal Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, which is funded by interest and fees collected on PACE financed projects. The program has no cost to Lake County or its residents. |
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The next step for Lake County is to go through the process of choosing a program administrator and potentially renaming the PACE program, as to avoid confusion with the region’s suburban bus transportation system of the same name. The program launch is expected sometime in 2020.
The deadline dates for property owners in Moraine, Shields and West Deerfield townships to appeal their assessments are approaching. 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 necessary.
The appeal deadline dates are:
- Shields Township: Oct. 28
- Moraine Township: Nov. 12
- West Deerfield Township: Nov. 18
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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.
Federal Transportation Funds to Benefit Lake County
Lake County residents will benefit from improved transit, roads, bridges, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities through federal funds recently approved for use by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to support many transportation improvement projects. The full list of projects is available on CMAP's website. Highlights include: |
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$48.6 million to implement a grade separation where the Canadian National Railway tracks currently cross U.S. Route 14 in Barrington
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$11.7 million for LCDOT's Deerfield Road project from US45/IL 21 to Saunders Road
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$28 million to Metra for retrofitting locomotives with more fuel efficient vehicles
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$3.4 million for Lake County Forest Preserve District's Millennium Trail Underpass at US Route 45
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$13.5 million will help complete portions of the Regional Greenways and Trails Plan, which envisions a network of continuous green way and trail corridors across northeastern Illinois
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
MetraMore Service Continues to Deliver
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MetraMore, the expanded reverse commute train service on Metra’s Milwaukee District North Line, benefits hundreds of riders with its improved morning and afternoon schedules at the western Lake Forest, Deerfield and Lake Cook Road stations.
This two-year pilot project makes it easier for businesses to attract talent from Chicago and for residents to easily get into Chicago and enjoy its many attractions. View Metra Schedules
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Lake County Schools Honored for Student Attendance
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The Lake County Regional Office of Education’s Attendance & Truancy Division invited all Lake County schools to participate in the 31st Annual Fall Attendance Competition in Lake County. The Attendance Competition is a fun way to promote the importance of school attendance, as it is key to academic success. The top ten schools in each category were invited to an awards ceremony to recognize their achievements. Watch the video.
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Lake County’s Amazing K9 Dax
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. |
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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
Do you have expired, unused or unwanted prescription or over the counter drugs in your home? It’s important to safely dispose of them. On National Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., many local organizations and agencies, including the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Rosalind Franklin University and local police departments, are partnering with the DEA to offer drop-off locations: |
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Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park
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Village of Beach Park, 11270 W. Wadsworth Road, Beach Park
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Lake Forest Hospital, 800 N. Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest
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Sheridan at Green Oaks, 29330 Waukegan Road, Lake Bluff
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Green Oaks Senior Living, 14595 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
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Buffalo Grove Police Department, 46 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove
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Harbor Chase of Long Grove, 1190 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
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The Solana of Deer Park, 21840 W. Lake Cook Road, Deer Park
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Avon Township, 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park
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Lake Zurich Police Department, 200 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich
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Barrington Public Safety Building, 400 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington
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St. Peter Catholic Church, 27551 Volo Village Road, Volo
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Lake Barrington Woods, 22320 Classic Court, Lake Barrington
Additionally, many local police departments, along with some local Walgreens and CVS stores, offer year-round collection locations to safely dispose of your unwanted medications. View an interactive map to find a location near you.
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
Submit Nominations for the 2019 Stormwater Awards
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Stormwater Awards. The program recognizes organizations, communities, groups and individuals for their projects and other proactive and innovative efforts to improve water quality, reduce flooding and to help restore the natural drainage system. |
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There are several award categories. Nominate a group or an individual who has shown dedication and commitment to stormwater management efforts before the deadline on Dec. 2.
Job News
Looking for a job? There are many hiring events and career workshops to help you land your next job in Lake County:
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Mechatronics Open House at CLC
College of Lake County is conducting a Mechatronics Lab Open House, on Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to noon at the Lakeshore Campus, Third Floor, 33 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Teacher Open House
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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Community Events
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Halloween Hoopla in Deerfield
Halloween Hoopla returns with new attractions, including inflatable haunted house, hayride, scarecrow building, costumed characters and more. On Friday, Oct 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at North End of Jewett Park and Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jewett Park Community Center. Skip the line for Saturday’s Hoopla by purchasing your admission wristbands in advance Jewett Park Community Center.$5 per child above two years. Learn more
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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 Road, 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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Open House – College of Lake County
The College of Lake County’s Open House takes place on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the
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Lakeshore campus - 33 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
- Southlake campus - 1120 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
- Grayslake campus - 19351 W. Washington St. Grayslake
Enroll in courses or come for a visit to experience what CLC is like. For more information, call (847) 543-2588 or click here to learn more and register.
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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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