At its Feb. 11, 2020 meeting, the Lake County Board named 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. Gibson previously worked for Lake County for 23 years, most recently as Manager of the Workforce Development Board. During Gibson's tenure, he also served as Assistant County Administrator for 11 years, and was the Interim County Administrator from 2001 to 2002.
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At its Feb. 11 meeting (02-11), the Lake County Board recognized 2-1-1 Day in Lake County in honor of the 2-1-1 helpline service launched by United Way of Lake County last fall. The service provides free, confidential referrals to health and human services for anyone who lives in Lake County. To get help, all you must do is dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From there, you’ll be able to speak to a live, expert navigator in more than 150 languages. From housing and food needs, to mental health and addiction issues to assistance paying utility bills and more, the expert navigator will connect you to the right agency to help you. Lake County government provided funds to help launch the service.
Watch as Mary Ellen Vanderventer, Lake County Recorder of Deeds, visits with United Way staff to learn exactly what 2-1-1 provides, the idea behind it, and how United Way is spreading the word about the service.
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At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Lake County Board voted to impose a one-year moratorium on recreational cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County.
The moratorium is effective immediately through Feb. 12, 2021. During this time, Lake County will not be accepting or reviewing applications for proposed recreational cannabis businesses. All recreational cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, cultivation centers, craft growers, infusers, processors and transporters, will remain prohibited within unincorporated Lake County.
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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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.
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.
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2019 Was a Blockbuster Year for Economic Development in Lake County
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. 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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Qualified Professionals Needed to Serve as Lake County Board of Review Hearing Officers
The Lake County Board of Review is seeking qualified professionals with a background in real estate to serve as Board of Review Hearing Officers. All applicants must pass a two-hour qualifying exam, which will be administered on Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m. at the Lake County Building, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan.
Hearing Officers play an important role in striving for equitable and fair property assessments through the assessment appeal process. They act as unbiased intermediaries, and hear testimony on written appeals of any real estate parcel that is claimed to be over or under-assessed. They then determine if the assessment is just or if it needs to be corrected. Learn more
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
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 Ukena. 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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Early Voting Underway
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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
You can register to vote online, by mail or in person at any Illinois Driver’s Services Facility or at the County Clerk’s office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan. Different deadlines apply depending on how you register, but the latest you can register is March 1, 2020. Click here for more information.
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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
Visit the County Clerk’s Primary Election web page for additional information.
Lake County Public Works Customers – Sign Up for CodeRED!
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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Apply for the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program by Feb. 28
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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.
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
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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.
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
Flu Cases in Lake County
The Health Department’s Communicable Disease program has seen a rise in influenza cases in Lake County since late January. Outbreaks in long-term care facilities, calls from schools reporting above normal absenteeism due to influenza-like-illness (ILI), and emergency room visits for ILI have all been increasing in Lake County. As of Feb.1, 21 Lake County residents have been admitted to the intensive care unit for influenza-related illness.
It is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available from many providers and retail locations throughout Lake County. Contact your doctor or visit www.vaccinefinder.org to search for locations where flu vaccinations are given, then call ahead to check on availability.
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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
Summer Youth Employment Program 2020
Applications are now being accepted 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.
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. Applications are available at the Waukegan Job Center, 1 N. Genesse Street, Waukegan and online. Learn more
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Local Government Job Fair
The Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a free governmental job fair. Local government organizations have a variety of full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal positions they are seeking to fill. Dress professionally and bring multiple copies of your resume. Thursday, March 12, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. For more information, call 847-367-6640. Learn more
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. 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. |
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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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Water Resource Internship
Intern with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) this spring! Apply your classroom experience to the real world as a Water Resource Intern. You’ll work closely with SMC staff to assist in watershed planning, geographic information system projects, field work and more. Applicants must be a recent graduate or current student with a strong background in environmental sciences, planning or related hydrology fields. This paid internship has the flexibility to be part-time or full-time beginning in April. Come make a difference in Lake County. Applications close March 20.
Interested? Learn more and apply |
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Stormwater Management Commission 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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Forest Preserve News
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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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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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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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Lake County Artist Exhibit
“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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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 for area 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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30th Annual Black History Celebration
Bring your family and enjoy singing, dancing, guest speakers, poetry and lunch at this free program. Saturday, Feb. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st Street, Zion. Learn more
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