March 12, 2020
County News
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Coronavirus Information
The Lake County Health Department is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor a fast-changing outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). |
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On March 11, 2020, the first Lake County resident tested positive at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratory for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The resident is a man in his 50s and is in stable condition. Public health officials are still investigating the individual’s travel history and any potential contact with a known COVID-19 case. Our staff is working to rapidly identify, interview and assess the risk for close contacts of the individual.
Lake County continues to post updates and resources to
www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus. The website includes information for individuals and families, businesses, communities, healthcare providers, schools and travelers.
If you would like to receive email updates about the Coronavirus from the Lake County Health Department, you may sign up at this link.
Anyone with questions on COVID-19 may contact the Illinois Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email:
DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.
The Health Department reminds everyone to practice “everyday preventive actions” to limit the spread of illness – remember the 3 C’s:
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CLEAN hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
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COVER your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; and
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CONTAIN germs by staying home if you are sick, except to receive medical care, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Voting Information
Vote on Election Day: On March 17, polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. View a list of polling places, or use our interactive map to find your neighborhood voting location.
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Suggested Precautions While Voting:
Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor is supplying sanitizing wipes in all voting sites for routine cleaning of frequently touched marking utensils and voting equipment in an effort to help reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19). While pens are provided, Clerk O’Connor encourages you to bring your own black or blue ink pen to your voting site to sign your ballot application and mark your ballot.
Low-income Seniors Encouraged to Apply for Senior Freeze Exemption
Property owners age 65 and older who have total household incomes of $65,000 or less are encouraged to apply for the Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze. This program may reduce property tax bills by freezing the property's equalized assessed value, which impacts the total tax bill. It does NOT freeze taxes, but it protects a property owner from tax increases due to rising property values. |
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Even if a property owner has applied for and been granted the freeze exemption in prior years, the application must be renewed annually.
All Lake County residents who have a Senior Homestead Exemption will receive a letter in the mail in mid-March with information about the program. Learn how to apply
You Count, Lake County!
The U.S. Census Bureau wants to make sure everyone is counted in the 2020 census. On March 12, households will begin receiving invitations to respond to the census. It is critically important that every Lake County resident responds to the census. For every Lake County resident not counted, Lake County loses $1,400 per year. The state of Illinois can lose over $195 million in the next decade if there is as little as a one-percent undercount. |
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Responding is easy and can be done online, by phone or by mail. The answers you give are secure and confidential. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about individuals, households, or businesses, not even to law enforcement agencies like the FBI or ICE. For more information and resources on the census, visit lakecountyil.gov/census2020, or watch a video starring our Lake County employees.
Flood Safety Awareness Week
As winter melts into spring, you may see an increase in ground saturation and standing water in some areas over the next few months. Since the ground is expected is stay wet through the spring, and possibly longer, there is a considerably higher risk for flooding. |
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The increase in ground saturation could lead to:
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Your sump pump running more than normal. Make sure it’s in good operating condition!
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The ground staying wet longer, especially in low areas
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High pond and lake levels
Since Illinois Flood Safety Awareness Week kicks off on Monday, March 9, now is a great time view these tips to floodproof your property.
Transportation News
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Hart Road Closure in Barrington Begins Friday evening, March 20
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AT&T is closing Hart Road in Barrington to through traffic beginning Friday, March 20 at 8 p.m. The road is scheduled to reopen late Sunday, March 29. The closure is necessary for AT&T to relocate fiber cables in preparation for the reconstruction and widening at the intersection of Hart Road and US Route 14. Local traffic will have access to area homes, Barrington High School and the local businesses. View detour route
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Thank you to our Adopt-A-Highway Volunteers!
Lake County volunteers are once again showing tremendous support for the Adopt-A-Highway Program! Annually, volunteers remove approximately 210,000 pounds of trash and debris from roadsides and bike paths. More than 50 group applications were submitted in January and 230 County highway sections are adopted for 2020. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program and consider adopting a highway section during the next open enrollment period in August. |
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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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Environment News
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More Clothing Recycling Bins are Coming
SWALCO is in the process of adding more clothing and textiles bins in Lake County! Beach Park, Tower Lakes and First Baptist Church in Waukegan are next in line, bringing the total number of sites to more than 30! Your donations of new and gently used clothing are welcome. Read more |
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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SMC Annual Report
The staff at the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) are outstanding problem-solvers on flooding and water quality issues, and utilize state-of-the-art techniques and professional abilities to address problems encountered countywide. The 2019 Annual Report reflects on major projects and accomplishments from 2019 and highlights items to look forward to in 2020. From watershed-based plans to the watershed development ordinance, learn more about SMC's noteworthy accomplishments. |
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Jobs News
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Job Corps Information Session
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Job Corps is a free educational and vocational training program for individuals ages 16 to 24. Learn more about the program on Monday, March 23, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Job Center of Lake County, 1 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan. For more information call 815-893-9945. Learn more
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Internship Opportunities at Lake County
Attention college students and soon-to-be graduates! Summer is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to look for internships. Several Lake County departments offer internship opportunities in a variety of fields for current college students and recent graduates. |
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The internships include being outdoors learning about watershed planning with the Stormwater Management Commission to doing extensive research with the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court to inspecting construction zones with the Department of Transportation and much more. Lake County might have the perfect opportunity for you in the field you love! Learn more
Sheriff News
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St. Patrick’s Day Traffic Safety Initiative
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will conduct additional traffic safety patrols this St. Patrick’s Day to identify, arrest and keep impaired drivers off the road to help ensure everyone’s safety. If you’ll be drinking or using another impairing substance, always remember to designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service, call a cab, or stay where you are at. Wearing a seatbelt is your best defense in a crash, so when you are in the car, be sure to buckle-up! Read more
Health News
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Low-cost Pet Clinic Season Begins
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The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is offering several low-cost pet vaccination clinics from March through June at different locations throughout Lake County. All animals must be at least four months old, and only cash payment will be accepted. Find a pet vaccination clinic near you.
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Health Department Offers Reduced Well Water Testing Rates
In observance of National Ground Water Awareness Week, the Lake County Health Department is offering a reduced well water testing fee for homeowners who use well water as their primary source of drinking water. Between March 9 and March 20, 2020, the normal $18 fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $12.
Sterile test bottles and sampling instructions are available at the Lake County Central Permit Facility (500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville), the Health Department’s headquarters (3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan), and 18 township or municipal offices located throughout Lake County.
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To find a location nearest you, call (847) 377-8020 or visit
http://www.lakecountyil.gov/726/Water-Wells. Water sampling kits can also be mailed for $15.00. Learn more
19th Judicial Circuit Court
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Girl-Wise Conference for Middle School and High School Girls
Middle school and high school girls, their parents and role models are invited to attend the 17th annual Girl-Wise conference that gives young girls the resources to make healthy decisions and to approach their future with confidence. Girl-Wise introduces young women to career opportunities, healthy lifestyles and creative outlets that empower them to take charge of their own lives. |
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It is a chance for the girls to come together and navigate the various issues they face during adolescence and young adulthood. The conference will take place Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the College of Lake County Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake. Pre-registration is required by March 27. For more information, call the Girl-Wise Hotline at 847-377-7909, visit the website or check out the flyer.
Forest Preserve News
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Summer Camps
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We know from research that time spent in nature fosters the healthy development of children. The Lake County Forest Preserves offers an array of summer camps that are held completely outdoors in natural settings, and those that aren’t still have a large outdoor element. Registration for camps is taking place now. Learn more »
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Spring Horizons
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The star of the spring issue of the Lake County Forest Preserves Horizons magazine is the North American river otter. How much do you know about this elusive animal and its return to Lake County? You can read the issue online or subscribe to have the free quarterly magazine mailed to you. Learn more »
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Women’s History
Spring Break Syruping
Community Events and News
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Disclaimer: The community events included here are not organized by Lake County, and dates and times could be subject to change. Check the event website for the latest information.
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One Earth Film Festival
The Midwest's premiere environmental film festival, the One Earth Film Festival, will take place from March 6 to 15. The festival showcases thought-provoking environmental films in venues across the county, and leads audiences in interactive post-film discussions focused on solutions.
Learn more
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Severe Weather Spotter Class
The Chicago Office of the National Weather Service along with the D128 Community Education Program and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency is conducting a class to discuss the nature of severe weather systems, what precautions to take during severe weather, how to report severe weather and the role of trained spotters in helping communities. Tuesday, March 31, 7 p.m., Vernon Hills High School Auditorium, 145 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Learn more
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