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Lake County Government News
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Lake County Small Businesses Invited to Apply for Grants to Help Cover
COVID-19 Expenses
Lake County small businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 are invited to apply online for Lake County’s Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program. The grants provide up to $30,000 to cover up to four months of occupancy costs as well as expenses incurred due to COVID-19. The application deadline is July 20. The Lake County Board allocated $10 million to fund the grant program, which is being administered by Lake County Partners. Learn more |
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Lake County Partners and the Illinois Small Business Development Center will co-host a webinar to provide information on this program and answer questions from participants on July 20 at 8:30 a.m. For more information and the links to join, click here |
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Small businesses in Lake County that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the program:
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Incorporated (e.g. LLC, S Corp, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship). Independent contractors are not eligible
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In business before February 15, 2020
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Earn less than $2.5 million in annual revenue
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Able to document a significant negative business impact due to COVID-19
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Preference will be given to businesses who have not received federal assistance (i.e. Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
County Board Allocates $11 million in CARES Act Funding
At its July 14 meeting, the Lake County Board approved the allocation of an additional $11 million in funding through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support local agencies impacted by COVID-19. Adding to the funding allocated last month, the County Board has now committed a total of $30 million to help the community accelerate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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The funding approved on July 14 was passed through two separate resolutions:
- $10 million was allocated to reimburse Lake County municipalities and fire protection districts for COVID-19 related expenses. Read the resolution.
- $1 million was allocated to fund 'safety kits' (masks, hand sanitizer, educational materials) to approximately 70,000 community members. Read the resolution.
Learn more and view the meeting video.
Voting by Mail in November 2020
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New Illinois laws recently signed by Governor Pritzker change some provisions to the election process for the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. Due to COVID-19, the Lake County Clerk's
Office encourages all voters to vote by mail and avoid lines during early voting or on Election Day. Feel safe in the comfort of your own home and vote from there.
Voting by mail changes include:
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Expanding the period of time when voters can submit an Application for Ballot.
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Enabling voters to submit an Application for Ballot through email, in addition to the already-existing mail, in person delivery, or electronic methods.
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Mailing of an Application for Ballot by the Lake County Clerk to those who registered to vote or changed their name on their voter registration record between March 18, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
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By Aug. 1, the mailing of an Application for Ballot by the Lake County Clerk to the voters who cast a ballot in the 2018 General Election (November 2018), the 2019 Consolidated Election (April 2019), or the 2020 General Primary Election (March 2020).
Electronic or paper application?
If you prefer a paper application, you can wait for the August mailing from the Lake County Clerk's office, download the application from the Clerk’s website, or request one to be sent to you now. But for the most efficient service, the Lake County Clerk’s Office encourages voters to submit an electronic ballot application through its website. Simply log in to Voter Power and submit your request online, which will require no further action to receive your ballot.
Lake County Government Service Updates
Lake County Government has been offering services for residents at its Waukegan and Libertyville campuses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As the state continues to move forward through the Restore Illinois plan, some Lake County departments and offices have been increasing the availability of in-person services with safety protocols in place.
Lake County requires that individuals entering a County facility wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Whenever possible, you are encouraged to interact with Lake County government services virtually. Visit our service modifications web page for information about services and hours for each department.
Temporary Open Burning Ban in Unincorporated Lake County Extended to Aug. 12
The Lake County Board has extended an emergency ordinance that temporarily bans open burning in unincorporated Lake County. Originally scheduled to end on June 10, then extended to July 15, it has now been further extended through Aug.12. During this time, open burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas of Lake County. |
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The ban was enacted because people who contract COVID-19 are more likely to develop more severe symptoms and/or serious complications if they are exposed to smoke from open burning. Recreational fires that are no larger than 3' x 3' x 3' used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes are not included in this ban.
Many Convenient, No-Touch Ways to Pay Property Taxes
While the Treasurer's office is now providing limited walk-in customer service from 8:30 a.m. to noon on weekdays, Lake County property owners are asked to use one of the touchless ways to pay. In-person service will only be available to (1) accept cash payments, (2) accept payments for five or more parcels from the same owner, and (3) accept payments from senior and disabled residents. For the health and safety of vulnerable residents, the Treasurer's Office asks that everyone who is healthy or does not fall under the three categories above to please pay with one of the many convenient ways to pay:
Listen to the June 23 COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
Lake County held a live COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall on June 23. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists discussed the current COVID-19 situation, funding and relief efforts for residents and businesses, plans to reopen schools, and what to expect in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. |
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Watch the meeting recording in English or Spanish. Those with questions that did not get answered during the town hall can email
communications@lakecountyil.gov to get the information they need.
On-Site Jail Video Visitation to Resume
On-site video visitation with an inmate at the Lake County Jail has resumed, while remote video visitation with inmates is still available. Learn more, including how to schedule an appointment.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update |
Case Count Update
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The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of July 17, 10,705 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 413 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information.
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The Health Department is currently seeing an upward trend in new Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases among young people in the past two weeks. Since June 25, 2020, cases reported in Lake County residents under age 30 have been rising while cases in the general population have remained steady. Learn more
Mobile COVID-19 Testing Available Next Week in Lake Zurich, Mundelein, and Round Lake
In response to a recent COVID-19 outbreak in Lake Zurich and surrounding areas, a mobile testing site managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be stationed in Lake County next week to provide free Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) tests to the community. |
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Dates and locations:
Sunday, July 19
9 a.m to 11 a.m. Lake Zurich High School students and staff
(please bring school ID)
11 a.m to 5 p.m. General public, while supplies last
Lake Zurich High School Performing Arts Center parking lot
300 Church Street, Lake Zurich
Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last
Lake Zurich High School Performing Arts Center parking lot
300 Church Street, Lake Zurich
Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while supplies last
Mundelein High School parking lot
1350 W. Hawley Street, Mundelein
Please enter using the southbound lane of Midlothian Road.
Friday, July 24, Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while supplies last
Round Lake High School parking lot
800 High School Drive, Round Lake
Please enter through the Student Parking Lot off Idlewild Drive.
Learn more
Wear Your Face Covering Correctly
Cloth face coverings can be very effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19, but they must be worn correctly. Before putting on or removing a face covering, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Once your mask is on, have it cover your nose, mouth, and chin. A proper fitting mask should be snug to the side of your face and breathable. Make sure that you wash your mask after each use. Find more info on the proper use of masks |
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Get Help |
SBA Loans Available to Lake County Small Businesses, Homeowners and Renters Impacted by Civil Unrest
Businesses, homeowners, renters, and non-profits impacted by civil unrest in Lake County may be eligible for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). |
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Loans up to $2 million are available to businesses for the repair or replacement of real estate, inventories, equipment and other physical losses. Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 for real estate, and homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 for personal property loss or damage, including automobiles. To apply for the loan, visit SBA’s website. For more information on eligibility, loan amounts, application deadlines and other requirements view this Fact Sheet.
For information, contact the Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center:
Apply for Federal Paycheck Protection Program by Aug. 8
The deadline to apply for the Federal Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable
loans for small businesses to help pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, including benefits, is Aug. 8. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. |
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To learn more, watch the video of Ron Pesenko, Senior Vice President Wintrust Commercial Banking Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company and Steve Milota, Senior Vice President Wintrust Commercial Banking Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company and read more.
Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas and ComEd Extend Relief to Customers
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, in coordination with multiple consumer groups, announced several additional benefits to assist customers with hardships they may be facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:
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Extended suspension of disconnections
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Reconnection of customers disconnected for nonpayment in 2019 or 2020 before the COVID-19 public health emergency
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A new payment assistance program
- Extended deferred payment arrangements
ComEd has also taken several steps to help limited-income customers, including extending the suspension of disconnections and late-payment charges, and providing financial assistance and flexible-payment options. Customers who are experiencing financial hardship should visit ComEd.com/CARE or call 800-334-7661 for program details. Read more and see the flyer (Spanish and English). |
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Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund
The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund is accepting applications to disburse its fifth and final round of funding to nonprofit organizations that serve individuals, families and communities facing the greatest burden from the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted until 12 p.m. July 24. Apply here. For additional information, view the FAQ or email icrf@cct.org.
Employment Resources
In 2019, the Lake County's unemployment rate was
3.5%. In May 2020, it was 12.9%. If you are looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes, the Job Center of Lake County is here to help, with four vital Virtual Tools for Job Seekers:
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Help for Victims of Domestic Violence
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During COVID-19, the likelihood that women in abusive relationships and their children will be exposed to violence
has increased. If you or someone you know needs help, call 211 or contact A Safe Place 24-hour hotline at 1-800-600-SAFE. A Safe Place partners with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and provides assistance with obtaining Orders of Protection, as well as shelter, permanent housing, court advocacy, referrals and comprehensive counseling and programs for survivors of domestic violence.
For more helpful resources visit Sheriff's Get Help page.
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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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Women United of Lake County Donates 450 Gallons of Hand Sanitizer
United Way of Lake County’s Women United recently donated 450 gallons of hand sanitizer to Waukegan Public Schools and several local nonprofits serving those struggling with basic needs during the COVID-19 crisis. After receiving an anonymous donation of nine 50-gallon drums of hand sanitizer, Women United quickly mobilized a team of volunteers to pour, cap, label, box, and deliver nearly two tons of hand sanitizer. United Conveyor Corporation generously provided warehouse space, expertise and equipment to aid in the effort. Read more |
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Respond to the Census
Your participation in 2020 Census is vital to ensure 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! |
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For a list of ways you can help your community, visit Lake County/Covid-19/ How to Help
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Transportation News |
Metra Launches Test of Ridership Dashboard
Metra recently launched a new ridership dashboard to provide information to riders about how crowded trains have been on each line. The information will help riders who have the flexibility to travel at different times make data-driven decisions to select less crowded trains. View the average number of riders per train car on each train over a five‐day period through the Metra ridership dashboard.
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Provide Input on IL 83/137 Study
Get the Latest Road Construction Updates
Road construction is in full swing. Make sure to visit
lakecountypassage.com to see live delays, road closures, and other traffic information in Lake County. You can also use Lake County’s Interactive Construction Map to learn more about all of the County’s road projects this year.
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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Share Your Thoughts About Lake County's Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan
The Stormwater Management Commission is accepting public comments on the draft Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan for Lake County, which identifies and assesses functional significance of existing and potentially restorable wetlands in Lake County. The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to Aug. 21 due to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News |
COVID-19 Updates
Now that the state is in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, the Lake County Forest Preserves is providing updated information on amenities and facilities that are currently open or closed due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. “We want to keep preserve users informed of the changes we're making to various aspects of our operations as we all transition to the next phase of the state's reopening plan together,” President of the Lake County Forest Preserves Angelo Kyle said.
Learn more » |
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Carrying a Beacon of Hope
Have you seen Mark running in the Lake County Forest Preserves with the American flag? He does so to support the Three Rangers Foundation created to assist veterans. The fitness trainer runs with the large flag to bring awareness to veteran suicide and to honor the fallen. Learn more » |
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New Virtual Field Trips Offered
The Lake County Forest Preserves is offering new history and nature virtual field trips. Our educators say their curriculum serves as a support for teachers. Each program is 30 minutes long. Some of the topics include birds, lake ecology, plant life cycles, early settlers and civil war technology. Learn more »
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Community Events & News |
Visit Lake County's Events Calendar
As Illinois has moved into Phase 4, venues around Lake County are offering in-person as well as virtual events. Check out VisitLakeCounty.org's Calendar of Events to find information on ways to enjoy Lake County, including nature walks, drive-in movies and more. |
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What Happened in Committees? |
Finance and Administrative Committee
At its July 9 meeting, the committee discussed the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to alleviate the immediate needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and $1 million funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act relief fund to provide personal protective equipment safety kits and risk-mitigation outreach in COVID-19 impacted communities of color. Watch the discussion and read the agenda. |
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Health and Community Services Committee
At its July 7 meeting, the committee discussed the Lake County Affordable Housing Program (LCAHP) to provide funds for different housing projects and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
rapid response grant to provide reemployment services to dislocated workers and more. Watch the discussion and read the agenda.
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Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee
At its July 8 meeting, the committee discussed the dissolution of the Beach Park Drainage district, the extension of the open burning ban in unincorporated Lake County and various road construction
projects. Watch the discussion and read the agenda
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Watch All County Board Meetings
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). The public is also welcome to attend all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room. To maintain proper social distancing, the number of persons permitted to attend will be limited. Public comments can also be submitted by email and phone call. Learn more |
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To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, and to find links of recordings of past meetings, click here.
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