May 1, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
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As you know, Governor Pritzker has extended the Stay at Home order through May 30. In addition, face masks will be required in public places for those who are over the age of 2. There is more information on this as well as directions on how to make masks below.
This is a challenging time for everyone in so many ways—sudden job loss, children trying to focus on on-line learning, illness in our family or our friends. While electronics allow us to stay connected in some ways—we realize that it is no substitute for being with someone.
The Lake County Health Department and the other County departments have been working tirelessly to provide information and assistance. The Lake County Health Department has provided a very detailed data hub that gives information on the number of cases by the community. Please keep in mind that only those who are tested are included in these numbers; the many asymptomatic carriers are not counted. Below you can find out more information about United Way of Lake County 211 and how it can help you. We are so fortunate to have this robust program offering information 24/7. Please do not hesitate to use that or any of the programs listed in this newsletter. For those who are more used to providing assistance instead of needing assistance, this can be difficult, but your community is here to support you with food, housing, mental health and other types of aide.
Many food pantries are in desperate need of food and paper goods. I have spoken with some Township Supervisors and some are now having to go out to the open market to get food. If you are able, please check in with them to see how you can help them.
Many libraries and park districts are providing classes remotely that you can stream or watch on Facebook. I’ve provided a list of some of these for you. For additional information on activities, or updates on COVID-19, please see my Facebook page.
I often mark the passing of time through what is happening in nature. That has been my respite in these times. The calls of sandhill cranes headed north means spring is coming! Those sounds have passed; the red-winged blackbirds have been raucous, and the spring call of the black-capped chickadees is more common. If you are able to get out in your neighborhood or a nearby forest preserve, you’ll see that the spring beauties are a pink carpet and the trillium are coming up. I hope you are able to find some respite for yourself—outside or inside.
 Lake County Board, District 21
847-857-1732
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Case Count Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of April 30, 2020, 3,621 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 127 deaths associated with COVID-19 complications. View the most current information. |
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Illinois Stay At Home Order Extended
Based on data from scientists and health experts and after consulting with stakeholders across the state, Governor JB Pritzker signed an Executive Order that goes into effect on May 1 and lasts through May 29.
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Health Care Centers can conduct elective surgeries and procedures in compliance with the guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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Greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, and animal groomers may re-open as essential businesses, provided they maintain social distancing
requirements and require employees and customers to wear face-coverings.
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Retail stores designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill phone and online orders for curbside pick-up and delivery.
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State parks will begin a phased re-opening.
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Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be allowed.
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Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines.
Cloth Face Coverings in Public Mandatory in Illinois as of May 1
The modified stay-at-home order includes a provision that beginning May 1, every person over the age of 2 who is medically able must wear a face covering in public places where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Some Lake County communities, including Waukegan and Deerfield, had already established emergency ordinances requiring cloth face coverings earlier than May 1.
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Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out, follow these tips from the CDC. If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering.
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Make sure you can breathe through it
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Wear it whenever going out in public
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Make sure it covers your nose and mouth
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Wash after using
The Importance of Staying Connected
Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. During this time when staying home is critical, make it a habit to check in with your neighbors, family members, and friends to ask about any stress and anxiety they may be feeling.
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Though we are physically apart, we can still support one another and stay connected through the phone or via video chat. Also, keep in mind that staying active can improve your physical and emotional well-being. Take a walk or go for a bike ride, just remember to stay at least six feet away from others when doing so. Watch the video.
Record-Setting Six Tons of Food Collected at Drive-Thru Food Drive
A drive-thru food drive organized and staffed by Lake County employees in Waukegan on April 23 broke a donation record for the Park City Northern Illinois Food Bank, with nearly six tons of food collected in just two hours. More than 25 Lake County Government employees volunteered their time running this no-contact event.
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The outpouring of community support was amazing, and showed the strength and tenacity of our community even during times of great difficulty. Thank you to all those who donated food and promoted and staffed the event. Watch this video to see the event in action!
Board Votes to Set Aside Funds to Help Provide Emergency Shelter
At its April 7 meeting, the Lake County Board voted to approve setting aside $100,000 of 2020 Video Gaming Revenue (VGR) grant funds in the event the money is needed to reimburse local agencies for emergency shelter expenses incurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are normally used to fund behavioral health programs.
In Lake County, agencies like PADS Lake County and A Safe Place that provide services to the homeless and to victims of domestic violence normally provide shelter in group settings. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these types of arrangements would pose high risk to those clients.
Read more
Get Help
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Paycheck Protection Program for Lake County Small Businesses
A $480 billion dollar relief package to provide funding for small businesses that are suffering during the COVID-19 crisis was approved last week by the federal government. More than $320 billion is reserved for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to small businesses. The recent relief package also includes $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion to establish more COVID-19 testing programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications on April 27. Lake County small businesses may apply for the Paycheck Protection Program here. Further program information, and copies of required forms for application are located on the Small Business Administration website. Learn more
Learn About Federal Funding and Local Relief Measures
As part of the federal CARES legislation, Lake County is scheduled to receive approximately $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, as well as $770,000 in Emergency Solution Grant funds. These funds will be used to support housing and shelter costs for vulnerable individuals. Assistant County Administrator Matthew Meyers discusses these programs, as well as local relief measures that various Lake County departments are instituting to help residents and businesses. Watch the video.
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Employment Resources from the Job Center of Lake County
Looking for work? The Job Center of Lake County is maintaining a list of employers that are hiring during the COVID-19 crisis. View their Job Opportunities page.
Job seekers who would like to be on the mailing list for future free online meetings to learn about tools and programs to help with career transition can submit their email address at this link.
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Looking for employees? If you represent an essential employer that is looking for workers, complete the Job Opportunity Form and a Job Center team member will contact you.
Federal Stimulus Payment
The Internal Revenue Service has developed a "Get My Payment" tool, where taxpayers can check the status of their stimulus payment, confirm payment type (direct deposit or check), and enter bank account information for direct deposit if the Internal Revenue Service doesn't have the information on file. Learn more about stimulus payments
Utility Bill Payment Assistance
The Community Action Partnership of Lake County is accepting applications for utility bill payment assistance. Those who have recently experienced a loss or reduction in income are encouraged to call to see if they are eligible, since eligibility is determined by your household's income from the past 30 days. Call 847-249-4330 during normal business hours and ask to be transferred to a client service representative, who will help you apply by phone. For more information, visit
caplakecounty.org.
Diapers for Infants
The WIC program provides nutrition education, health care referrals, breastfeeding support and vouchers for nutritious supplemental foods at no cost to eligible Lake County residents. To find out if you are eligible for WIC benefits, please call (847) 377-8420.
Help for Local Businesses
Lake County Partners, a nonprofit corporation that supports Lake County businesses, has compiled helpful resources for area businesses. View it here.
Emotional Support
Illinois has launched Call4Calm, a free emotional support text line for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. To speak with a mental health professional, text “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish) to 552020.
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding any social service, including resources for finding food, healthcare, paying your utility bills, mental health services, etc., please reach out to United Way of Lake County’s free, confidential 211 service through any of the following:
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How to Help
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Donate Homemade Masks
With the new mask requirements going into effect May 1, Anna Yankelev from the Lake County Health Department shares some important information on making and maintaining cloth masks, as well as where you can donate cloth masks to those in need. Watch the video to learn more! |
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For instructions on making homemade masks and to view a list of locations of where to donate them, view the United Way volunteer opportunities web page.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to serve meals to the homeless, deliver meals to seniors, provide general office support, and much more. Both telework and in person volunteer opportunities exist.
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Interested volunteers are asked to complete an online registration form with United Way of Lake County that asks for contact information, areas of interest and times of availability, in order to appropriately match volunteers with organizations in need of assistance.
More Than $500,000 Raised for COVID-19 Community Response Fund
The fund recently received major gifts of $100,000 from The Baxter International Foundation and $100,000 from First Midwest Bank in support of the effort.
The fund is aimed at meeting critical needs, such as emergency food and shelter, rental and utility assistance, essential basic needs for children and families, and other emerging needs identified real time through Lake County’s 211 helpline. In less than four weeks, United Way has already disbursed two fund installments totaling $213,262 to 14 local nonprofit organizations. Read More
Respond to the Census
You’re washing your hands. You’re keeping your social distance. You’re wearing a mask when you shop. Now, it’s time to do one more thing: Respond to the 2020 census. Your participation is vital to ensuring that Lake County gets adequate funding to support healthcare, schools, public transportation, roads and more. Fill out your form now at mycensus2020.gov, or call 844-330-2020.
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Don't Forget About Childhood Vaccinations
As a parent, you want to protect your little one from harm. Vaccinating your baby according to the
recommended immunization schedule gives him or her the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses—like measles and whooping cough—before he or she is 2 years old. Talk to your pediatrician about how to safely continue your child's routine care and immunizations during this time. For appointments at the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, call the Patient Access Center at (847) 377-8800.
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Forest Preserve News
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Walk or Ride Single File on Trails
people to follow social distancing rules when approaching others on trails from behind or from the opposite direction to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "It is essential that family groups of two or more break into a single file line and move off on the shoulder of the trail to allow maximum space when approaching or passing others," said Ty Kovach, Lake County Forest Preserves executive director. Learn more »
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Leave No Trace When Using Preserves
Forest Preserve officials are urging trail users to follow minimum impact practices when visiting the preserves. "It's essential that whatever you bring into the preserve, you take back out with you," said Executive Director Ty Kovach. "Maintenance is at a minimum at this time. We are working to keep the preserves safe, clean and open for use. Visitors can help in this effort by using forest preserve trash cans as little as possible," Kovach said. Learn more »
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Closures and Cancellations Updates April 27
To date, all public buildings, restrooms, playgrounds, marinas, golf courses, visitor centers, model airplane field and dog exercise areas are closed until further notice. All in-person educational programming, volunteer workdays, picnic shelter rentals, open area reservations, and special use permits have been canceled through Sunday, May 31.
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May shelter rentals will be refunded, and reservation dates can be rescheduled. This process may be extended in the future, but as of now refunds will only be provided for rentals during this period. Check the Lake County Forest Preserves website for updates on virtual education programs, and on closures and cancellations. Learn more »
Treasurer’s News
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Property Tax Bills Will Be Mailed First Week of May
The first installment of Lake County property tax bills will be mailed the first week of May, and will be due June 8, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs for social distancing, please plan on using one of the many “touchless” ways to pay your bill, including by mail, by phone, online or via a drive-thru teller at a local bank. Watch for more information next month. |
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Chief County Assessment Office News
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Limited-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.
To learn more about how to qualify, how to apply and how to get help applying, click here.
Become a Board of Review Hearing Officer
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 was originally scheduled for May 6.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exam has been postponed. The new date and location is at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2020, at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W Winchester Road, Libertyville IL 60048. Room, CPF GU 2220 A, B & C.
To learn more about the role of hearing officers and how you can apply, click here.
Transportation News
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Lake County 2020 Construction Program
The start of spring is also the start of road construction season. The sight of orange construction cones normally means traffic delays. But due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many motorists are staying off the roads, allowing crews to make further progress on projects.
Because traffic is down nearly 45 percent since the Illinois stay at home order went into effect, construction crews are working at all times of the day, including during morning and evening rush hour. Learn more
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Transportation Links-
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
What Happened in Committees?
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Finance and Administrative Committee
At the April 16 Finance and Administrative Committee meeting, which was held virtually, the committee discussed freezing the salaries of new county board members and elected officials, budget policies and planning in light of anticipated revenue reductions, and property tax and late payment due dates. Watch the Discussion
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Upcoming Lake County Board and Committee Meetings Will Be Held Virtually
All Lake County board and committee meetings held during April and May are being conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv, and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
Public comments will be accepted by email and phone call only. Learn more
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SWALCO News
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Earth Day
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April marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! One silver lining during the COVID-19 pandemic is that carbon dioxide emissions measured at Lake County traffic lights are down more than 50% since the stay-at-home order took effect.
Here are a few ideas to mark Earth Day at home:
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Bag, Mulch or Compost, but Don’t Burn
So many of us are using this time to catch up on yard work. There are a lot of leaves on the ground this spring because it was too cold to pick them up by the time they fell last fall. While leaf burning is permitted in many areas of Lake County, it poses serious health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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People with underlying respiratory issues are more likely to develop serious complications if they contract COVID-19, and smoke exposure can make it worse. Even for people who do not have underlying respiratory issues, smoke exposure can cause worsening symptoms of COVID-19. Do your part to protect your family and your neighbors: Please bag, mulch or compost this spring—don't burn!
Proper Disposal of Protective Material
The waste disposal agencies serving Lake County are reporting a significant increase in the amount of trash being collected because so many people who are working and staying at home. To help crews collect trash as safely and efficiently as possible, please be sure to put all household trash in bags and tie them properly. |
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks and gowns are not recyclable and should always be bagged and placed in a trash bin with a lid. Additionally, cleaning supplies such as disposable wipes, paper towels and tissues are not recyclable and should always be bagged and placed in a trash bin with a lid.
View more details on Recycling Safely During COVID-19 from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO).
COVID-19 Resources
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Community News
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Township Food Pantries
Please check with your food pantry for hours of operation, including when they accept donations. Also, coordinate any food drives with your local food pantry. The needs listed below change over time and most have lists that they update regularly. |
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Libertyville Township Food Pantry particularly needs paper products, canned stews, spaghetti sauce, canned tuna.
Vernon Township Food Pantry is especially in need of diapers, granola bars, snack items, rice, beans and potatoes.
Warren Township Food Pantry is extremely low on spaghetti sauce, canned corn, mac and cheese and paper goods; the pantry is completely out of laundry detergent and boxed mashed potatoes.
West Deerfield Township Food Pantry is in need of many items including cereal, peanut butter and jelly, rice, laundry soap, dish soap and feminine hygiene products.
Remote Activities
In addition to the ability to download e-resources, many libraries are offering programs for children and adults. This could give you—and the kids—a real break. Some of these do require registration, so try to check out in advance. |
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Cook Memorial Library has classes on morning mediation, concerts, garden design classes and more.
Deerfield Public Library programs include virtual drop-in craft programs, at-home teen book bingo and book discussions.
Lake Forest Public Library offers Mother’s Days crafts to do at home, storytime on Facebook, family brain games and other activities.
Vernon Area Public Library is offering storytime daily at 10 a.m.; there are also on-line book discussions, writers' support group and more.
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