February 6, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
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With the environment dominating the news nearly every day, I'm constantly asked by neighbors what Lake County is doing to help our planet.
We just finished our legislative agenda, which is our template for laws we'd like to see Springfield and Washington pass this year. As chair of our legislative committee, I've been working with my fellow members, staff and the community to work with state and federal legislators. Here are some environmental highlights:
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Carpet Recycling:Have you ever dumped a huge pile of old, nasty carpet off for the garbage man? I know we have. Instead of sending it to the landfill, our SWALCO agency wants to set up a program to recycle the fibers. It's called a "Carpet Stewardship Act."
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EtO: As you know, the emission of the carcinogenic gas Ethylene Oxide is a paramount concern for county residents. Two facilities in Waukegan and Gurnee produce the gas. Our County Health Department, through a third-party testing firm, has been testing the area around these plants for emissions and has sent the findings to a federal agency for analysis. We will continue to closely monitor state and federal legislation on this vital issue. I will share the federal analysis as soon as it becomes available.
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Residential Property Clean Energy: In a nutshell, this is a program would help you finance most home energy improvements at low cost and pay for them through the county. We're also working on a similar plan for businesses.
We're also watching for legislation on lead pipe abatement, toxic driveway sealants and bills that will help us better transition to alternative energy. This is in addition to our Energy and Environment Committee's work plan to install solar panels on every county building possible and reducing our carbon and waste stream footprints.
Are we making progress? I think so, although we need to do so much more. Of course, there's much more happening in our community as we collectively respond to the climate crisis. Our schools are leading the way: I'm really proud to announce that Meadowview School in District 46 recently won a national "Green Ribbon" award for its comprehensive environmental program.
I was thrilled to present a board resolution honoring their achievement at a recent school board meeting. Thanks to the board, administration, teachers, students and parents for all of your hard work. Spoiler alert: I'm also told the school will be receiving another award from our Stormwater Management Commission, which I will be presenting next month. Congratulations to all!
Our community schools are really rocking it on alternative energy: Solar panels have already been installed at Frederick and Grayslake Middle Schools and both Grayslake High Schools, and a substantial solar farm is underway at Warren High School's South Campus. Way to go!
How can I serve you better? Let me know. Email me at JWasik@LakeCountyIl.gov.
Sincerely,
 
County News
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Take Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Costly Flood Damage
After a very wet summer and fall in 2019, river levels in Lake County reached record highs. Since we're still expecting more rain and snow this winter, the National Weather Service cautions that there are higher risks of flooding in the spring. Though there is no immediate concern, we encourage all Lake county residents to start thinking about flood preparedness now.
For floodproofing tips and information about flood preparedness and flood insurance, check out this guide.
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County Board to Vote on Hiring Gary Gibson as County Administrator
At the next Lake County Board meeting on Feb. 11, 2020, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart plans to ask the board to approve Gary Gibson as Lake County’s next County Administrator. Gibson has been serving as Interim County Administrator since September of 2019 while the board undertook a national search to fill the position permanently.
"After numerous discussions with my colleagues, key Lake County staff and our municipal partners across the county, I am confident that Gary is the best person for the position," said Hart. Read more
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2019 Was a Blockbuster Year for Economic Development in Lake County
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Lake County Partners, a public-private partnership focused on economic development in Lake County, led strategic initiatives in 2019 that landed more than 20 projects, creating nearly 2,500 jobs and retaining 1,500 jobs with a total investment of more than $260 million and an annual economic impact of more than $550 million. Since 2014, Lake County’s labor force has gained more than 20,000 people, whereas other counties in the region stayed relatively flat or lost people. Learn more
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Point-In-Time Homeless Count
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. |
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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.
Lake County Selected to Participate in Innovative Criminal Justice Program
Lake County is one of 13 counties in the country selected to participate in an 18-month County Justice Peer Learning Network through the National Association of Counties (NACo). |
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Teams made up of justice and health and human services stakeholders will work with subject-matter experts to explore and develop strategies at the intersection of mental health and racial and ethnic disparities to help justice-involved individuals leverage existing resources, and implement best practices to engage people in appropriate treatment and services rather than jail. At the end of the 18-month period, each participating county’s accomplishments will be distilled in a report highlighting best practices for counties looking to address mental illness and racial and ethnic disparities in their own jurisdictions. The program is part of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge(SJC). Learn more
Circuit Judge Jay Ukena Retires from Lake County Bench
Circuit Judge Jay W. Ukena retired on Jan. 30 after more than 11 years on the bench.
"Judge Ukena's service has assisted and guided our Circuit and the people of Lake County. His knowledge of the law, and experiences in both prosecution and defense made him a well-respected judge to the people of Lake County, attorneys, and his peers on the bench,” said Chief Judge Diane E. Winter. Read more
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Reginald C. Mathews Appointed as Circuit Court Judge
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Congratulations to Associate Judge Reginald C. Mathews, who has been appointed Circuit Judge in the 1st Subcircuit of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit by the Illinois Supreme Court effective March 2, 2020. He will fill the position previously held by Judge Ukina. To maintain his
position as Circuit Judge after Dec. 5, 2022, Mathews must be nominated in the 1st Subcircuit in the March 2022 primary and elected in the Nov. 2022 general election.
Read more
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What Happened in Committees?
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Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee
At its Jan. 29 meeting, the Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee discussed imposing a one-year moratorium on recreational cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County. Watch the video |
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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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Forest Preserve News
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Insects in the Winter
In the colder months, creatures that are commonplace during the Midwestern summer are often the furthest things from our minds. Ever wonder where insects go in the winter? Some head south, others burrow in the ground or underwater to hibernate. Learn more » |
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Profiles in Excellence
Snowflake Anatomy
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If someone asked you how snowflakes form, would you be able to explain it to them? A Lake County Forest Preserves environmental educator explains the details in the latest Words of the Woods
podcast. The episode is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and others. Learn more »
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All About Cardinals
Cardinals are a welcoming splash of color in a winter scene. Learn what makes this bird so special through a nature-based story and craft. Hikin’ Tykes takes place 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods. Includes a take home list of resources, coloring page and nature activity suggestions. Tickets are required for each child, ages 2–4, and adult. Learn more » |
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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.
Health News
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Lake County Launches New Home Visiting Program for 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
Job News
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Summer Youth Employment Program 2020
It is time once again for the popular Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program, funded by the Lake County Board, which will provide meaningful work experiences for approximately 215 youth for about six weeks this summer.
Applications are available at the Waukegan Job Center, 1 N. Genesse Street, Waukegan and online.
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To qualify for employment, youth must:
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Be age 14 to 18 (by April 15) OR age 14 to 22 with an Individualized
Education Plan (IEP)
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Attend middle school or high school
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Receive free or reduced lunch OR meet low income guidelines
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m. Learn more
Sheriff News
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Life Skills Program Helps Inmates
Life Skills is an eight-week program held two times a week in the Lake County Jail. The curriculum covers behaviors inmates can work to improve and ways to access and evaluate their behavior. Some of the areas covered include self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, communications, interpersonal relationship, coping with stress, diversity, and mental well-being.
Our latest group of graduates completed this course of instruction in December of 2019. It included 19 inmates.
Sheriff John Idleburg looks forward to continuing this program, and seeing the success resulting from those willing to complete the program.
Stormwater Management Commission News
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Employee Spotlight: Ashley Strelcheck
Ashley Strelcheck, Water Resources Professional for the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), recently became a Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC). From watershed planning to best management practices for erosion and sediment control, Ashley’s knowledge is an integral part of the work SMC and Lake County does. Watch this video to learn more.
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Summer 2020 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, your days will consist of collecting field vegetation, soil, and hydrology data, identifying wetland plants and analyzing your findings. Applications will be accepted until March 13. Apply now |
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Community Events and News
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College launches first Lake County Summit on Restorative Justice
Learn how restorative justice practices can help Lake County at the College of Lake County’s (CLC) free Summit on Restorative Justice. This event focuses on reducing crime in the community by transforming the criminal justice system from punishment-only to a restorative mindset. Speakers include Lake County Public Defender Joy
Gossman and Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., College of Lake County Grayslake Campus, A011 Auditorium, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake. Read more
There are several events at the College of Lake County in February, including, “Winning in the Robotic Workplace: How to Prosper in the Information Age,” Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Baxter Innovation Lab (Room T120),
College of Lake County, 19351
W. Washington Street, Grayslake. Lake County Board Member John
Wasik discusses the topic, which is also the title of his new book. See full list of CLC events
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Adult Mental Health First Aid Course
Are you interested in learning how to help people identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders? Attend a free two-part Mental Health First Aid Course, Saturday, Feb. 15 and 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Learn more
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