Dear Neighbors,
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I truly hope you are continuing to stay safe. In today's newsletter, you will find important information regarding voting and Lake County's net zero carbon emissions policy. At a recent County Board meeting, the Board approved a change of our local early voting location from the Highland Park Police Department, where it had been for several years, to the Highland Park Country Club at 1201 Park Avenue West. Early voting begins in person on Oct. 19. I'm very appreciative of Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor and her staff for working with the City to enact this change. Individuals who are voting by mail but wish to hand-deliver their mail-in ballot can also use a ballot drop off box at the Highland Park Country Club and other early voting locations during that time.
Last week our County Board approved a significant new energy and carbon impact policy, which I am very proud to share. For the first time, our County government now has established benchmarks and a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions for our entire County government by 2040. We took a big step to achieve that goal when we made major changes to our vehicle fleet last year. This formal policy goal will cause us to move in a greener direction for all County facilities, services and functions as well. I'm proud of our Board for taking this step. We know that we need to do more and we need to act faster to try to slow down climate change. To slow down climate change, we all need to do more as individuals and you should expect that from your local government as well. More updates to follow.
The County Board Special Committee on COVID-19 / CARES Act funding relief meets again this Friday, Sept. 18, to approve revisions to our County funding allocations. Our special committee put forward a plan to spend the County's portion of Federal CARES Act funds to support Lake County businesses, human services and local governments. Last week the U.S. Treasury Department modified its rules for these funds for the fifth time. This most recent change will enable the County to enhance funding and reimbursement opportunities for municipal police and fire departments and I expect our Board will take action to increase funding for those priorities soon.
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter, stay safe and please know that you can contact me anytime if I can be of assistance to you.
Paul Frank
Lake County Board District 11
Paul Frank Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Register to Attend Virtual Town Hall on Sept. 30
Lake County is holding its third live Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, I along with other panelists will discuss the most current information about how COVID-19 is impacting Lake County, relief efforts including programs that have provided funding to Lake County businesses and residents who have been financially impacted, and information about voting in the November General Election. This virtual meeting will be hosted through Zoom and simulcast in Spanish.
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Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
Lake County Board Sets Goal for Net Zero Carbon Emissions
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Lake County Board approved a resolution committing Lake County government operations to the goal of attaining net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The resolution commits Lake County to the following:
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- By the year 2030, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 50%, and achieving at least a 60% diversion rate of recyclables and organics from its own waste stream
- By the year 2040, procuring 100% renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% or more, and achieving at least a 90% diversion rate of recyclables and organics
- Ensuring that all new County facilities constructed after 2020 be evaluated for their potential for net zero certification
- Publicly reporting progress toward these goals on an annual basis
- Inviting and encouraging municipalities and townships throughout the County to join in the effort to reduce the environmental impact of the operations required to provide public service to the residents and businesses of Lake County
The resolution is a natural outgrowth of Lake County's strategic goals, which include energy conservation, reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and implementing smart growth policies. Read more
Vote by Mail Without Using the Post Office
If you plan to vote by mail in the November election, you may drop off your completed ballot at one of the many postage-free drop boxes that will be set up around Lake County. Election judges will collect ballots daily and bring them to the Lake County Clerk's office for processing.
Due to COVID-19, the Lake County Clerk’s Office encourages all voters to use the vote by mail option and avoid standing in line during early voting or on Election Day.
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To vote by mail, you must complete and submit a request for a ballot. The Lake County Clerk’s Office will begin mailing ballots to those who have requested them beginning Sept. 24.
How to Track your Mail-In Ballot: Track the clerk's receipt of your mailed ballot by visiting LakeVoterPower.info or calling 847-377-2406 or 847-377-VOTE.
How to Vote in Person: Early voting will be available from Sept. 24 to Oct. 16 at the Lake County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan during regular business hours Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting in other locations across the county will be available from Oct. 19 to Nov 2. On Election Day Nov. 3, polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 22
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012, it has quickly gained momentum. Nearly three million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date. At its Sept. 8 board meeting, the County Board passed a special recognition supporting National Voter Registration Day and encouraging all Lake County residents to register and to exercise their right to vote.
How to Register to Vote: If you are a Lake County resident and are not yet registered to vote, there are several ways to register, including in-person, via mail and online. Learn more
Census Deadline is Sept. 30
Time is running out to respond to the 2020 census. Although census takers are currently visiting households that haven’t yet responded to the 2020 Census, you can still respond on your own and avoid the need for an in-person visit.
Lake County depends on a complete census count to receive adequate federal funding to support schools, healthcare, roads and more.
If you have not already responded, please do so online at 2020census.gov, or call 844-330-2020.
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Called for Jury Service? Lake County Courts Are Committed to Keeping You Safe
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit’s Jury Task Force comprised of criminal and civil judges, court administration, and the Lake County Health Department, worked together to form protocols in order to safely resume jury trials in light of COVID-19. The task force studied best practices from the National Center for State Courts, and also consulted state and national jury trial experts in order to develop appropriate procedures to meet the current health crisis.
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Judge Victoria Rossetti explains the “Serving Safely Plan”, and the extraordinary efforts that Circuit Court staff have taken to protect the health and safety of Lake County residents who are selected for jury service. Watch the video
Input Wanted: Tell us About your Commute to Work or School Before COVID-19
As part of its Strategic Plan, the Lake County Board made it a priority to focus on transportation solutions that provide alternatives to travel in single-occupancy vehicles, which is one person in a vehicle at a time. The goal is to develop a plan that reduces trip times, air pollution and carbon emissions, protects our valuable open space and positions Lake County to be competitive in a 21st-century economy. One way to do this is reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
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As an important step in this process, we need your input. We invite you to take part in our MY Commute Lake County study, and tell us how you normally commute to work, school or other frequent destinations. We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted commuting right now, and its impacts will be considered through this study.
K9 Diesel Helps Find Endangered Teen
On Sept. 5, Lake County Sheriff’s Office police dog K9 Diesel and Deputy Craig Somerville Jr. tracked down a young man who had been reported missing for at least an hour from his home. The young man was found a few blocks away at a nearby elementary school and safely reunited with his family. Read more
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SWALCO Joins U.S. Plastics Pact, Committing to Ensuring All Plastic is Reusable, Recyclable or Compostable
SWALCO has joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, which has a goal of ensuring that by 2025, all plastic packaging will be 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and to ultimately realize a circular economy in which plastic never becomes waste.
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This pact will convene more than 70 brands, retailers, NGOs, and government agencies across the plastics value chain to bring one voice to U.S. packaging through coordinated initiatives and innovative solutions for rethinking products, packaging, and business models. Read more
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 Sept. 14, there are 15,832 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 459 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information. As of Sept. 11, the testing positivity rate in the North Suburban Region was 6.7 percent, with daily increases in six of the past 10 days. View the region 9 current information.
Get Help
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Learn How to Get Help With Rent and Utility Payments
The Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program was created to assist residents with rent and utility needs. Call 211 today or visit 211lakecounty.org for more information on how to be connected with a local agency who can help. Watch this video to learn more about the program:
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Employment Resources
Abbott to Hire More Than 2,000 Workers in Gurnee
Abbott Laboratories has announced that it plans to hire more than 2,000 employees in the coming weeks at a facility in Gurnee that will be manufacturing Abbott’s new rapid COVID-19 test which recently received approval from the federal U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Day and night shifts are available, with benefits and a cash bonus up to $2,500 offered. Shuttle service from the Metra train station is available, and no training or experience is necessary. Those interested in applying for a position should send a resume directly to: abbconlabor@abbott.com
Lake County Job and Resource Fair for Individuals with Disabilities
This event is open to job seekers with any type of disability. Please dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. Masks must be worn. Job seekers can drive through to get information or walk up to exhibitors. Social distancing will be strictly enforced.
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Employers that will be present include: Aspiritech, Bargains in a Box, FedEx Ground, and Goodwill Great Lakes Ability One. Amazon will be present for information only. Resources that will be present include: Job Center of Lake County, Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services, Independence Center, Oak Street Health and Waukegan Public Library.
Date and time: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Hinkston Park, 810 Baldwin Avenue, Waukegan.
View a flyer in English and Spanish.
Resources from the Job Center of Lake County
The Job Center of Lake County is here to help you if you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes. Check out these resources:
Get Assistance With ComEd Bills
ComEd has developed several programs to help customers who are experiencing financial hardship:
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Customer Hardship Grants: Residential customers facing financial hardship may be eligible to receive one-time CARE grants from ComEd to help them get back on their feet.
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Bill Payment Assistance Program: A one-time bill assistance credit of up to $500 is available this year for income eligible households with a past-due balance. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply at ComEd.com/BillAssistance.
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Flexible, Extended Payment Arrangements: For a limited time, residential customers may be eligible for a flexible payment arrangement with a down payment on the past-due amount and the accumulated balance spread over up to 18 months.
- View the flyer
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Call 1-800-EDISON 1 (1-800-334-7661)
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Visit ComEd.com/Support
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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Transportation News
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Lake County Roads are Getting Smarter
Drivers in newer Audi vehicles will soon know when red lights turn to green at many traffic signals throughout Lake County. This feature, known as 'Time-to-Green,' will be available in newer Audi vehicles at more than 100 intersections in Lake County beginning this fall. At this time, only newer Audi vehicles are equipped to take advantage of Lake County's traffic signal network. But it's anticipated that more manufacturers will equip vehicles with technology that can connect to traffic signals in the coming years. More information.
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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Ask FEMA: What’s the Flood Risk for Your Property? Join a Virtual Open House Sept. 22 or 23
You’re invited to learn more about your flood risk and how your property may be impacted by attending an upcoming virtual open house hosted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Sept. 22 and 23. This is a great opportunity for Lake County residents to see FEMA’s updated flood insurance maps and for property owners to understand their flood risk and how to take advantage of programs available to them.
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During the open house, residents can locate their property on the new maps, and talk to members of the FEMA project team, flood insurance professionals, and state officials about what their homes’ placements on the new maps means. There will be no formal presentation. Residents may come any time during the scheduled hours.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 4 - 7 p.m.
Join the meeting by using this link https://zoom.us/join. Then type in the Meeting ID: 959 5882 2363, and Password: Lake22
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 4 - 7 p.m.
Join the meeting by using this link https://zoom.us/join. Then type in the Meeting ID: 951 0930 2682, and Password: Lake23
What is a Watershed?
No matter where you live, work or visit, you are in a watershed. So what exactly is a watershed and why is it so important? Well, a watershed is an area of land that contains a common set of streams and rivers that all drain into a single larger body of water. Watersheds are a source of water for drinking, recreation, provide a habitat for wildlife and more! In Lake County, we have four major watersheds. Watch this video to learn more.
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Forest Preserve News
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OAKtober Tree and Shrub Sale
"Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs in your yard," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "Plant metabolism is slowing and this lessens the stress for the newly planted tree," she said. Choose your favorite plants from our list of 24 species. Plant inventory is limited. Species are available while supplies last. Preorders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To protect the health of customers and staff, all transactions will be processed by phone at 847-968-3340 or online. Learn more »
Birdwatching in Lake County
Did you know that birding is the number one sport in the United States? According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are more than 51 million birdwatchers or birders in the United States alone, and this number continues to grow. Birds seen in Lake County are either residents or migrants. Resident birds spend their entire lives here, never leaving the area. Most people think of migration as a spring and fall phenomenon. In actuality, birds are migrating year-round, some in every season, some for long distances and others for short stretches. Learn the best times and places to see different bird groups in Lake County. Learn more »
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Virtual Program: Healthy Hedges
Learn about efforts to eliminate buckthorn at a free virtual program titled Healthy Hedges, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 17. Experts will share tips for removing this invasive non-native species and suggest great replacement plants. Click here to get a free ticket and reserve your spot. This program is sponsored by USG. Learn more »
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Health Department News
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Suicide is Preventable
September is national suicide prevention awareness month. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been under increased stress and anxiety. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
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Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide. Too often, feelings of shame and stigma can prevent those in need of help from talking openly. For information and resources, visit the CDC page on managing stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. The Lake County Health Department Crisis Care Program is available 24/7. You can anonymously call our Crisis Counselors at (847) 377-8088.
The Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force is hosting its 8th Annual 5K Walk for Awareness and Suicide Prevention virtually this year with a Facebook LIVE event on Saturday, Sept. 19. This is a great opportunity to fight stigma and show your support for a great cause.
Community Events & News
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Illinois Community College Board Subsidizes High School Testing Costs
The Illinois Community College Board (OCCB) has announced that it will subsidize the cost of high school equivalency testing, to make the GED and HiSET high school equivalency exams affordable for more residents.
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GED Candidates can find important information to access the discount for the GED exam by logging on to their GED profile and scheduling a test at www.ged.com. Candidates will need to enter the code ILSAVE20 at check-out.
HiSET Candidates can access the discount for the HiSET exam by calling the Education Testing Services customer support hotline at 1-855-MyHiSET and scheduling a test.
Watch All County Board and Committee 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). The public is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room.
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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
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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