January 29, 2020
County News
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Report Blocked Railroad Crossings
If you drive regularly in Lake County, chances are you've had the frustrating experience of being blocked by a train that is moving slowly or stuck on the tracks altogether. Not only does it inconvenience motorists, but these delays can prevent first responders from getting where they need to go to provide help in a timely manner.
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Now, you can report delays at railroad crossings caused by trains through a new web portal developed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The site asks users to provide specific information, including date, time, location and duration of delay so the FRA can better understand the scope of the problem. The FRA will share the information with stakeholders, using it to help facilitate local solutions to blocked crossing issues. Report a blocked railroad crossing
Lake County Public Works Customers – Sign Up for CodeRED!
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Do you receive water services from the Lake County Public Works Department? Don’t miss out on notifications about boil water orders, watermain breaks, service disruptions, upcoming project work and more. Lake County Public Works (LCPW) customers can sign up for CodeRED, the new alert system used by LCPW. Register online today to receive alerts by phone, text message and email. Learn more by viewing this video and by visiting the CodeRED web page.
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Lake County Board Passes Diversity Resolution
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At the Jan. 14 County Board meeting, board members passed a resolution affirming that Lake County embraces diversity. Lake County’s strength is rooted in our people. We stand against hate and discrimination and affirm that Lake County should be a welcoming community for all. The board action was taken following a recent incident of vandalism at a Lake County school that included swastikas being spray painted on the school wall and playground equipment. Read the Resolution
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Point-In-Time Homeless Count
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On the evening of Jan. 22, 88 volunteers took part in the annual Point-In-Time Homeless Count, searching across Lake County to help locate homeless individuals, helping document the need in communities by gathering data and providing outreach to those in need. Volunteers made contact with 21 people experiencing homelessness. The information gathered is critical to understanding where resources should be spent and helps evaluate current and future programs to aid the homeless. Learn more about this year’s Point-In-time Homeless Count and find out how you can make a difference in ending chronic homelessness.
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Apply for the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program by Feb. 28
The Senior Citizens Tax Deferral Program allows qualified senior citizens to defer part or all of the property taxes on their personal residence. Seniors who qualify for this program may defer up to $5,000 in property tax during each year they qualify, and receive a state loan with a 6% simple interest rate, payable upon the sale of the home or the death of the homeowner. |
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You may apply for other senior tax programs even when you are on the Senior Deferral Program. Applications will be accepted through the Lake County Treasurer’s Office until Feb. 28. Learn more and apply
Get Ready to Vote in the March 17 Primary
The Illinois General Primary Election will be held March 17, 2020. Here are some important dates to be aware of to make sure you are ready to vote:
Register to Vote No Later than March 1, 2020
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Apply to Vote by Mail No Later than March 12, 2020
To vote by mail, you must fill out a short application to request a ballot. Applications must be received by the County Clerk’s office no later than noon on March 12. They will then mail you a ballot, which must be postmarked or returned no later than Election Day.
Early Voting Begins Feb. 6, 2020
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Feb. 6 to Feb. 28, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Lake County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan
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March 2 to March 16, 2020: Vote early at one of 16 early voting sites, regardless of where you live in Lake County. Many locations offer weekend and evening hours.
Election Day Voting is March 17, 2020
Environmental News
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Recycling Cart Tagging Program Helps Residents Recycle Right
In an effort to educate consumers about proper recycling, SWALCO has been participating in a recycling cart tagging program where staff members examine the items people place in their recycling carts. For each bin they look at, they leave a tag to let the resident know if all items in the cart were recyclable, or if there was an item in their cart that shouldn’t have been.
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If a mistake was made, staff members put a note on the tag to let the consumer know how to dispose of that item. The program was most recently completed in Round Lake Beach, where 450 homes were visited. SWALCO plans to partner with more communities in the future to offer this program. Watch this video to learn more.
Forest Preserve News
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Refreshed Logo Launched
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The Lake County Forest Preserves recently introduced a refreshed, modernized logo. It incorporates multiple colors for the first time in the organization’s 61-year history. The logo keeps the recognizable green representing trees, foliage, grasses, and mature growth. Light green to signify new growth was added along with light brown to represent soil and new life, and blue to represent water. Learn more »
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Lake County Artist Exhibit
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“Reima Ratti: Life and Art in the Great Depression” is on exhibit at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, Jan. 25 through April 12. Artist Reima Ratti (1914–1945) was born in Waukegan to Finnish immigrants and came to age during the Great Depression. The exhibit allows visitors to explore the Great Depression through the eyes of one of Lake County’s most famous artists. Learn more »
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Groundhog or Woodchuck
Celebrate the tradition of Groundhog Day by dropping in anytime during open hours to learn about Lake County’s largest squirrel and one of the few true mammal hibernators. The program runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2, at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods. Participants will have the chance to get close to a real groundhog, make some tracks, and test their trivia knowledge.
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Health News
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Home Visiting Program Will Help Expectant Moms and New Parents
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has launched a new home visiting service for expectant mothers and families with children up to age 5.
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The voluntary program, called igrow Lake County, will match families with trained professionals to provide one-on-one family support and coaching in their own home, including developmental screenings, helping parents understand and respond to their child’s needs, assisting with discussing the child’s health with medical providers, and facilitating learning activities that strengthen the bond between parent and child. All igrow Lake County services are free to participating families. Families interested in enrolling in the program can call (847) 377-8112 or email igrow@lakecountyil.gov. Learn more
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
More than 79 million Americans are living with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer and other cancers. Every year, approximately 19,400 women and 12,100 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV, and cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care. |
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The Health Department’s Need2Know Lake County program offers visual exams for HPV. For more information call (847) 377-8450. Read more
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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Jobs News
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Looking for a job? There are job fairs and recruiting events to help you land your next job!
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Veteran/ Military Job Fair
When you have completed your military service, employers are looking for you! Veterans, active duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, eligible family members and DoD employees are encouraged to come to a Veteran/Military Job Fair.
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Professional attire and military identification are required. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. Read more
Find recruiting events by visiting the Job Center of Lake County's website.
Sheriff News
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College Scholarships
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg will be awarding two college scholarships for $500 each as part of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) college scholarship program. The scholarships will be awarded to students who wish to pursue higher education in 2020-2021 academic year. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a certified institute of higher learning. Applications are available at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office or ISA Website. Students must submit all documentations to their Sheriff’s Office by March 15, 2020.
Learn more
Download the application
Stormwater Management Commission News
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SMC Wetland Internship
Summer is right around the corner, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is accepting applications for their Summer 2020 Wetland Internship. College students and recent graduates with a background in wetland science, ecology, biology or related natural resource field are encouraged to apply. Throughout this paid internship, days consist of collecting field vegetation, soil, and hydrology data, identifying wetland plants and analyzing findings. Applications will be accepted until March 13. Apply now |
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Treasurer's Office News
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2020 Vision for Your Business
Join Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer, and a panel of experts for a free economic development workshop discussing how to start or grow your business.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, English – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Spanish – 10:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake. Register by emailing Anton Mathews
AMathews@lakecountyil.gov or call 847 377 2043. Learn more |
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Community Events and News
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New Apprenticeship Program Benefits Students and Employers
Looking to earn an education while working in the industry? College of Lake County (CLC) has new apprenticeship opportunities for students seeking a career-related work experience and employers looking for qualified candidates. By August, CLC plans to have 60 apprentices in manufacturing, healthcare, automotive technology, horticulture, information technology and business. Read more
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GO Mundelein Walk
Stay active in winter by walking regularly, and join the indoor walk, Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. at Indoor Track at Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road. Read more
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