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February 20, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
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A warm welcome to our new County Administrator, Gary Gibson, whose appointment the board approved earlier this month. Gary has proven to be a thoughtful, measured, and knowledgeable leader in county government.
Conversely, a warm goodbye to Hawthorn Woods Mayor Joe Mancino, who will be stepping down on February 24. Joe is a passionate public servant and environmental steward and it’s truly been a pleasure working with him. Another warm welcome to his successor, Dominick DiMaggio.
I had the pleasure recently of visiting three homeowners association meetings—Forest Lake, Summerhill Estates, and West Shore Park—to provide updates from the county and answer residents’ questions. If you’d like me to visit your group or organization, just shoot me an email.
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Please see below for information on the census (so important!), voting (primary is on St. Pat’s Day!), a Lake County Forest Preserves job fair, and more. I hope you’re enjoying the last weeks of winter as much as our family dog, Victor (at right).
Take care,
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County News
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Count on Me Lake County
The U.S. Census Bureau will begin counting every resident in the United States next month. It is critically important that all residents of Lake County are counted. Census population data is used to determine the distribution of about $675 billion in federal funding to states and local communities. For every person not counted, Lake County loses out in approximately $1,400 per person per year in federal funding. That money goes to support local schools, health care services, housing, infrastructure and much more. |
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Responding to the census is fast, easy and convenient, and you can do it online, by phone or by email. Lake County established a 2020 Complete Count Committee to help ensure an accurate 2020 census count of Lake County residents. Check out lakecountyil.gov/census2020 for helpful information and resources.
Watch for information in your mailbox in March from the U.S. Census Bureau, and be sure to get counted, Lake County!
February 11 Recognized as 2-1-1 Day in Lake County
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. |
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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.
One-Year Moratorium on Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County
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. Read more
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. |
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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
What Happened in Committees?
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Energy and Environment Committee
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The Energy and Environment Committee heard a presentation on an energy savings analysis that was performed on the proposed new Consolidated Public Safety Facility, which will replace the county’s existing Highway Patrol facility in Libertyville. Following a review of different design options, committee members provided staff direction to pursue a Net Zero energy design, which the study showed would save Lake County about $3.2 million in energy costs over 25 years. Watch the discussion
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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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County Clerk’s Office News
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March 2020 General Primary Election Information
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The candidate list
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Public questions on the ballot
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Voter Information Guide
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Your personalized sample ballot
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Voter registration locations and forms
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Acceptable forms of identification
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All 16 early voting sites, times and dates and
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Your assigned Election Day voting site
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Honors 2019 Stormwater Award Recipients
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On February 6, the 2019 Stormwater Award recipients were honored for their outstanding achievements. These individuals, communities, groups and organizations have made significant contributions to improve water quality, reduce flooding and help restore the natural drainage system in Lake County. Congratulations to all the award recipients! 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. |
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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 made a difference in Lake County. Applications close March 20. Interested? Learn more and apply.
Health News
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Flu Cases Are Up 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. |
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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.
February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing about 1 in 4 deaths. In Lake County, 966 deaths were caused by heart disease in 2018. Caring for your heart through a healthy diet and regular physical activity is the best way to prevent heart disease. |
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It is also important to see your primary care physician every year, so you are aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and weight. For an appointment with a Health Department provider, call (847) 377-8800.
Sheriff News
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Take Part in the Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy
Sheriff John D. Idleburg invites the public to participate in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office 2020 Citizens Police Academy. Participants get an in-depth view of all Sheriff’s Office responsibilities, including corrections, highway patrol, court security, criminal investigations, crash investigations, evidence processing and more. |
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Participants must be 18 years of age or older, of good moral character, and have no felony convictions. The free, 10-weeks class meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings from April 2 to June 4. Classes will be held at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters at 25 S. M.L.K. Jr Avenue, Waukegan and at the Libertyville sub-station, 1301 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville.
Forest Preserve News
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Government Job Fair
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Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting a free governmental job fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. Fourteen local organizations, ranging from the Village of Libertyville, Buffalo Grove Police Department, and Zion Park District, have a variety of full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal positions they are seeking to fill. Learn more »
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Check Status of Trails & Preserves
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Weather-related events, construction projects, flooding and controlled burns sometimes result in temporary detours or closures of Lake County Forest Preserves trails, facilities, and seasonal activities in order to ensure public safety. A Winter Sports Map is also available to get information and check status of sledding, skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing activities before you bundle up and head out. Learn more »
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Maple Syrup Hikes
Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples at Ryerson Conservation Area
during Maple Syrup Hikes. Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production, and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Tickets are available for the hikes that run on the weekends from March 7 to 22. Hour-long hikes start every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. Learn more » |
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Community Events and News
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Salute to Gospel Concert
Come out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the College of Lake County featuring Grammy winner Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. Tickets range from $26 to $33, or take advantage of a special CLC offer of five tickets for $50. Saturday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m., Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan. Learn more
Call for Makers – Maker Faire
The College of Lake County is calling all makers to join the biggest show and tell in Lake County. YOU are a Maker if you craft, build, create, design, tinker and tweak just about anything. What do you Make? Bring it to Maker Faire! Exhibits that have an interactive component for attendees are recommended.
Interested in applying to be a Maker?
Maker Faire Lake County is part of the college’s inaugural Maker Week, April 18 to 25. Events include the 4H Robotics Showcase, Robotics Competition finals, Big Idea, Jr competition and a Rube Goldberg Challenge. For more information, visit Maker Faire or email
 One Earth Film Festival – Cooked
For the third consecutive year, the Lake County Audubon Society is co-sponsoring a film of environmental importance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, at the One Earth Festival. This environmental film festival creates opportunities for understanding climate change, sustainability and the power of human involvement. Watch Cooked – Survival by Zip Code, Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 East Maple Avenue, Libertyville. Door open at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Learn about other films being shown around Lake County during the week of March 6 to 15.
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Lake County Restaurant Week
Taste delectable cuisines in 24 communities at more than 75 participating restaurants. From Feb. 28 to March 8, they will have special prix-fixe menus, artisan food and drink pairings, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and other exclusive offers. Read more
Student-managed Prairie Restaurant Joins Lake County Restaurant Week
For the first time, the College of Lake County’s student-run Prairie Restaurant is participating in Lake County Restaurant Week. Culinary students are working hard to learn contemporary restaurant principles and will prepare sophisticated meals to showcase their skills. Special meals will be served Friday, Feb. 28, Monday March 2 and Thursday, March 5. Reservations are required. Learn more, or email prairie@clcillinois.edu to make a reservation. For updates on the menus, visit Prairie Restaurant’s web page.
TOGETHER for a Better Education
TOGETHER is a series of five workshops for students in high school and their parents or caregivers. The purpose of this program is to help young Latinos to succeed in school and to continue to a higher education. Refreshments will be provided.
Presented in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension and the District 118 BPAC. Tuesday, March 3 to April 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., 801 N. Main Street Wauconda. Read more
Metallica Scholars Grant Gets an Encore at CLC
College of Lake County (CLC) students will rock on another year! $100,000 in scholarships will be available for students studying in career programs through Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH). CLC was selected as one of 10 community colleges in the country to receive this heavy metal grant for the second consecutive year. More than 60 CLC students benefited from the grant during the inaugural year. Learn more
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