Over the past few years, Lake County has experienced stronger and more frequent rainfall, and an increase in flooding.  In 2018, Lake County rivers went above flood stage during six separate storm events, and this year exceeded flood stage seven times.  Because of this, stormwater management projects have become critical. SMC's capital improvement plan will enable SMC to prioritize, design and construct the most beneficial and regionally impactful projects while improving conditions in flood-prone areas. The plan will be focused on three improvement areas: surface water/flood mitigation infrastructure, flooded property buyouts, and stream maintenance. 

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Lake County recently completed a system-wide analysis which showed that there is a need to adjust water and sewer rates to ensure the most efficient and reliable service possible. As a result, water and sewer rates have been adjusted for all customers in the Lake County Public Works service areas beginning Dec. 1, 2019. On average, customers will see an increase of a few dollars per month. In some areas where a customer's water usage is low, they may see cost savings. 

Higher construction costs, energy and labor expenses have increased the cost of providing water and sewer services to homes and businesses. The rate change is needed to implement necessary infrastructure replacement projects and maintain our high quality of service. Learn more 

The information gathered captures a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day, helps coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, and provides organizations with the information needed to end homelessness. This year’s PIT Count will be Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Learn more and apply to volunteer today.

Want to make a difference but are not able to attend? Please consider donating items from LCCH’s Amazon wish list. Anyone found experiencing homelessness during the PIT Count will be given a care package with much needed items such as warm socks and gloves. All donations, big or small, leave a huge impact.

Learn about the project, ask questions and provide input by attending this upcoming meeting.  

When: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Open House format) 
Where: Lakeland Church, 440 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee  
More info: Project website | sign up for updates 

The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have received initial results from the second phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan. 

The second phase of outdoor air monitoring in Lake County began Oct. 26. Samples are being collected from 12 sites every third day during the 90-day period, which will end in January 2020. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is funding the monitoring. The results have been forwarded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and IEPA which has regulatory authority over EtO emissions permitting in Illinois. Learn more 

In one afternoon, you can meet directly with hiring professionals to discuss your goals and launch your career. 

Employers are hiring for summer internships and permanent positions. Please bring copies of your resume. Business attire encouraged. Learn more and register in advance at this link. 

Friday, Jan. 3, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake.  

The scammers use an actual name of a Sheriff’s Office employee. The scammer then informs the victim that a Lake County judge (also using the name of an actual judge) has issued an arrest warrant. The caller is then instructed to purchase a “voucher” in order to avoid arrest.  

Beware that neither the Sheriff’s Office nor 19th Judicial Circuit call residents and request money. If you receive a call like this, the best course of action is to hang up, block the caller’s telephone number from being able to contact you again, and file a report with your local law-enforcement agency. Read more 

Salt reduction efforts showed positive results last winter. During a typical winter, operations staff is called out about fifteen times to plow snow and apply salt. Because of last winter’s high snow totals, staff responded twenty eight times. Thanks to the adjustments made in 2018–19, approximately the same amount of salt was used last year as would have been traditionally used in a typical year, despite nearly twice as many snow and ice events. 

The Forest Preserves will make more adjustments to further reduce the amount of road salt applied this winter. Signs indicating “Low Salt Area Ahead” will be posted at most preserves where salt reduction efforts are in place. 

Enjoy ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, dog–sled demonstrations, sledding, snow fun, festive winter games and more with family and friends. On Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bittersweet Golf Club, 875 Almond Road, Gurnee. Learn more  

Vehicles, landscape equipment and other surplus items from municipalities and government agencies will be up for sale at an auction conducted by Obenauf Auction Service, Inc.  

Pre-Auction Inspection and Registration: Friday, Dec.13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 a.m.  
Auction Begins: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake Learn more