June 23, 2020
Neighbors,
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One of the benefits of being home this summer is that I have had more time to work on our yard and garden. I added some lilac bushes and a new native red bud tree to our yard and am looking to add some more landscaping. Luckily native plants are available to be shipped directly to your doorstep through the Lake County Forest Preserve’s online native plant sale.
Native plants are beautiful and easy to maintain, attract wildlife and pollinators and require no need for fertilizers and pesticides. The sale ends July 1. There is “No Need to Leaf Home” to order your native plants!
Our family is going to visit my father at his farm in Kentucky in July. We have been staying at home as much as possible and are looking forward to being able to travel to see him even more than usual this year. Zoom meetings are just not the same.
Before we leave, we are all going to get tested for COVID-19 at the Waukegan Community Based Testing Site at 102 W. Water Street, Waukegan. Since it is a community-based testing site, free testing is available to all regardless of symptoms. There is drive through testing and walk up testing will soon be available. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.
We encourage residents to get tested because that is an important way that our health department can keep track of COVID-19 in our community and so that residents can take precautions. It also provides our residents peace of mind, and I am very grateful that we have this resource here in Lake County.
Happy Summer Days!
Lake County Government News
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Lake County COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
Lake County is holding its second live COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists will discuss the current COVID-19 situation, funding and relief efforts for residents and businesses and what to expect in the coming weeks. |
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Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: This virtual meeting will be hosted through Zoom. Register Now
Chair Hart will be joined by the following panelists who will provide updates and answer questions from the community.
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Paul Frank, Finance Committee Chair, Lake County Board
- Dulce Ortiz, Co-Chair, Asociación Comunitaria Latina Executive Director,
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
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Mark Pfister, Executive Director, Lake County Health Department
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Donny Schmit, President, Lake County Municipal League
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Dr. Scott Warren, Superintendent, Lincolnshire–Prairie View School District 103
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Demetrius Willis, Co-Chair, African American Community Partnership Group, Lake County Health Department
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Other Lake County staff and partners
Senior Freeze and Other Property Tax Exemptions Will Be Automatically Renewed This Year Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Lake County residents who in 2019 applied for and received the Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption, the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities will not be required to re-apply for those exemptions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as long as the following criteria are met:
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The owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2020 is the same as the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2019;
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The exemption for the 2019 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption; and
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The applicant for the 2019 taxable year has not asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2019 or 2020 taxable years.
Lake County property owners who did not apply for and/or were not found eligible for the exemptions in 2019 but believe they are eligible to receive them for the 2020 tax year may still apply.
Lake County Recovery Programs Coming Soon
Relief for Residents
The Lake County Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Recovery met on June 19 to discuss the distribution of $121.5 million in federal relief funds.
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A total of $5 million has been allocated for rental and utility assistance with $2 million provided for food needs throughout the county. Residents may soon apply for assistance through local social service organizations and townships. Additional information will be shared soon on how and where to apply.
Relief for Businesses
The Committee also further discussed guidelines and the mechanics for two other programs: $10 million for small business assistance and $10 million for municipalities and fire protection districts.
Lake County Government is working with Lake County Partners to streamline the management and disbursement of $10 million in program funds to local businesses. Application details are being finalized and will be available soon.
The $10 million for municipality and fire protection districts will be appropriated for the reimbursement of eligible COVID-19 expenses.
New Law Could Provide Significant State Funding to Reduce Flooding and Traffic Congestion
Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly recently approved a new law as part of the state's proposed 2021 fiscal year budget package that could bring millions of dollars to Lake County for projects that will reduce flooding, improve roads, ease traffic congestion, and improve homeless service facilities.
Public Act (PA) 101-0638 includes more than $195 million for critical infrastructure projects in Lake County and puts Lake County on track to begin the discussion of how and when these projects will be implemented. Read more
Lake County Liquor Commission Approves Temporary Outdoor Liquor Sales
The Lake County Liquor Commission has approved Class A and E bar and restaurant license-holders in Lake County unincorporated areas to temporarily serve liquor to patrons outside, on premises, while adhering to Illinois guidelines.
License-holders who were not previously authorized to serve liquor outside and would like to do so are asked to send a photo of the proposed set up to the Lake County Liquor Commission via email to countyboard@lakecountyil.gov, or via mail to the Lake County Liquor Commission, 18 N. County St, 10th Floor, Waukegan, IL 60187.
Lake County Parking Garage Closing for Rehabilitation
Lake County will temporarily close its 508-space public and employee parking garage located at 18 N. County Street in Waukegan for four months beginning Monday, July 13 for scheduled repairs.
Those visiting the courthouse are encouraged to park in the City of Waukegan lot at Clayton and County Street or view this map for additional parking lot locations. Learn more
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Marriages and Civil Unions to Resume
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, and in order to protect the health and safety of the general public, judges, and court employees, marriages and civil unions were suspended on March 17. Beginning Monday, June 22, the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit will start officiating weddings and civil unions, virtually for active-duty members of the military and couples where at least one participant is a Lake County resident. Read more
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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 June 22, 9,355 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 365 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information. |
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Lake County On Track to Move to Phase 4
- More businesses will be able to open following state safety guidelines;
- Gatherings of 50 people or fewer will be permitted while social distancing and wearing face coverings;
- Restaurants and bars will be able to reopen for indoor dining with capacity limits and safety measures;
- Travel can resume; and
- Childcare and schools can reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Watch the video and Read more
What to Expect During COVID-19 Testing
Are you curious about what a drive-thru COVID-19 test is like? Watch this video for a step by step, first-person view. The Waukegan drive-thru test site at 102 W. Water Street is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Anyone can get tested, regardless of symptoms or other criteria. No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed, and testing is free.
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Walk-ins Welcome at COVID-19 Testing Site
Walk-ups are now allowed. Walkers should enter off of Genesee Street and follow the line marked by orange cones. The Illinois National Guard will guide walkers. Learn more about COVID-19 testing
Health Department Expands COVID-19 Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities
Health Department staff have been working very hard to protect residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Lake County. On June 1, the Health Department started a new testing program to help these facilities identify active COVID-19 infections, prevent further spread of the virus, and collect baseline data to help in ongoing testing plans. Read more
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Beware of Contact Tracing Scams
Lake County officials are warning residents of contact tracing scams where criminals pretend to be contact tracers to steal vital information like Social Security numbers and banking information over the phone, via email, and text message. At least one Lake County resident has claimed to have given vital information such as their Social Security number during what they thought was a contact tracing call.
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The Lake County Health Department reminds all residents that a contact tracer will NEVER:
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Ask for your Social Security number;
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Ask for money, bank account or credit card numbers, or any other form of payment;
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Ask for your immigration status; or
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Threaten consequences of not participating or answering questions.
If you receive a suspicious call, text message, or email about contact tracing or exposure to COVID-19, you may call the Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130. Staff can help verify if you have been contacted by the Health Department. Read more
Get Help
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State Resources Available for Illinois Families
The Pritzker Administration, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, has launched a new initiative to help Illinois families access and afford home energy assistance and other essential services during COVID-19. Families seeking emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities may visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com for program details and how to apply.
Read more
Federal Paycheck Protection Program
The Federal Paycheck Protection Program is still available from the Small Business Administration , providing forgivable loans for businesses to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Apply by June 30. Learn more
Child Care Restoration Grants
The State of Illinois will be offering Child Care Restoration Grants for licensed child care providers who have lost revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Learn more and complete an Intent to Apply survey before June 24!
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The Immigrant Family Support Project
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is dedicating $2 million in pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants - regardless of immigration status - who are facing unemployment, loss of income, medical costs, and food and housing insecurity as a direct result of COVID-19 and are ineligible for any federal funding relief. Learn more at this link, or call the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Hotline 855-437-7669.
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes?
- The Job Center of Lake County provides vital resources to help you, including a Resource Library,
Virtual Information Sessions, and a Job Opportunities page.
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Attend a virtual Healthcare Training Information Session on Wednesday, July 1 at 1 p.m. to learn
about options to begin or advance your healthcare career. Register now
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Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings. Learn more
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text “COVID19” to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org. |
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How to Help
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Census 2020 Follow-Up Calls Are Underway
Census workers occasionally follow up with households over the phone to ask questions about their responses to the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau’s goal is to ensure a complete and accurate count and that no person is left out of the census or counted in more than one place. |
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By law, all responses to the 2020 Census are kept confidential. If you receive a call, the caller will only review the responses that you previously provided. They will not ask about your financial information or Social Security number. If you receive a call asking about this information, do not provide it and report the call to the Census Bureau. Learn more
If you have not already done so, there is still time to 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. While the census self-response date has been extended to Oct. 31, don’t delay and respond today!
Health Department News
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Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Program Concludes
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have received the final set of results from the last phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.
The third phase of outdoor air monitoring in Lake County began April 4, 2020. Samples were collected from 12 sites every third day during a 30-day period, which ended on May 2, 2020. The three phases of air monitoring were conducted over 120 days, with samples collected on 54 separate days between June of 2019 and May of 2020. A total of 606 samples were collected throughout the program, with an additional 54 samples collected by Medline and Vantage.
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
A mosquito “pool” or batch of mosquitoes sampled on June 4 in Hawthorn Woods has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Lake County Health Department reported. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2020.
Help ‘Fight the Bite’ from mosquitoes and protect yourself and your family by practicing the “4 Ds of Defense.” Learn more
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Lake County Public Works
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2020 Summer Hydrant Flushing
Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning July 6 through July 31, weather permitting, for the following areas:
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Brooks Farm
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Countryside Lake
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Fox Lake Hills
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Grandwood Park
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Highland Lake
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Knollwood
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Vernon Hills
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Wildwood
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The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will continue until all water mains throughout our water systems have been flushed. After flushing, we recommend running cold water for several minutes to clear your pipes.
Signs will be posted in each area before the start of hydrant flushing. Please contact the Public Works office at 847-377-7500 if you have any questions or concerns.
Read more
Transportation News
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Lake County Fleet Recognized as Top 100 in North America
Lake County was recently recognized as having one of the 2020 Top 100 Best Fleets in the Americas by the National
Association of Fleet Administrators
(NAFA). The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program recognizes fleet operations that have high levels of performance improvement and innovation within the public fleet industry.
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Some of the initiatives that demonstrated Lake County Division of Transportation’s (LCDOT) effectiveness are the installation of idle-reduction software that lowers a vehicles RPMs when it’s stationary and adding 14 low emission vehicles to its fleet in 2020, leading to an approximately 72 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions. Learn more
Stormwater Management Commission News
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Chemicals in Pavement Sealants Can Cause Environmental Harm
Summer is here! For some residents and businesses, the nice weather is a chance to perform maintenance on driveways, parking lots and playgrounds by using sealants to protect and enhance the appearance of the underlying asphalt. While this is a common practice, coal-tar sealants contain Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of chemicals that harm humans and aquatic life. |
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Stormwater runoff carries these chemicals into waterways, and the particles caused by normal wear and tear can be tracked into homes. PAHs in asphalt-based sealants are 1,000 times lower than in coal-tar sealants. This summer, consider choosing contractors that only use asphalt-based sealants on driveways, parking lots and playgrounds. Learn more.
Watch All County Board Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv, and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, and to find links of recordings of past meetings, click here.
Public comments will be accepted by email and phone call only. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News
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Dog Parks Open
#LoveYourPreserves
In the middle of this pandemic, the Lake County Forest Preserves offer hundreds of miles of trails to support our physical health, and beautiful views and vast open spaces to restore our mental health. As one user posted on Facebook: “Thank you for staying open. It has been our moment of Zen to hike the trails.” Since mid-March, more people are loving the forest preserves than ever. Visitation in May was 18% greater than the busiest summer weekend in any of the previous four years. Daily average visitation in April was 60% greater than the busiest summer weekend in any of the previous four years. Visit LCFPD.org/preserves/ to navigate your next adventure.
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How to Grow a Modern Victory Garden
Do you have a garden at home? Whether you plant in the ground or in pots, growing food at home can be done in ways that are healthy for you and the planet. Learn how to start your own home garden by checking out this recorded webinar presented by Dunn Museum Educator Nicole Stocker in partnership with the Vernon Area Public Library. Home vegetable gardens are on the rise as families enjoy the idea of growing their own fresh food. Watch video »
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Route 45 Trail Connection Opens
The Lake County Forest Preserves announced the opening of a new community trail connection resulting from a successful partnership with the Village of Gurnee to provide safe and direct access to neighboring forest preserves and trails. This 0.4-mile crushed gravel trail links the Village's existing bike path and several large residential areas to Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve and to the Millennium Trail and Greenway. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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