Town Hall Wednesday 9/30; Early Voting Begins, Vote By Mail Ballots Are Coming, Flu Shots are Important this Season, and more

 

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Sandy Hart 2019
 

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September 25, 2020

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Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. There is, as usual, so much happening in Lake County. Most importantly, September is Suicide Awareness Month. We can all make a difference in saving the life of a loved one, or even an acquaintance, by understanding the warning signs of suicidal ideation.

This Wednesday night, September 30, there are two events, one for the County Board and one for the Forest Preserves - Lake County Government is having a virtual town hall to discuss COVID-19; the work the county is doing to help residents, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies respond to this pandemic; and what voters can expect during this election cycle. Participants will hear from:

  • Paul Frank, County Board Member District 11 and Chair of the Finance & Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Recovery;
  • Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department;
  • Robin O'Connor, Lake County Clerk

Also tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. is an important and timely Q&A presentation from the Lake County Forest Preserves about why we must remove buckthorn from our yards, public spaces, and forest preserves. This invasive species crowd out important native plants, displacing and even wiping out species native to Lake County. We estimate that buckthorn makes up approximately 42% of the tree canopy in Lake County. It is our intent to reduce buckthorn by 50% in Lake County, and 100% in our Forest Preserves within the next twenty years.

The virtual town hall will be recorded so know that you can watch it later if you choose to do so.

There is a lot of information below that I hope you find useful. As always, it a pleasure and an honor to serve you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserves. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

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Lake County Government News  

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JOIN US FOR A COVID-19 TOWN HALL!
Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. 

I hope you will join us for our third Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, 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.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30 
Time: 7 p.m.  
Register to attend 


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Property Assessment Appeal Deadline Approaching for Warren Township 

Property assessment notices for Warren Township have been mailed.  If you wish to file an assessment appeal, you are encouraged to do so on your own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. The appeal deadline dates for Warren Township is Oct. 5. 

Prior to filing a formal appeal to the Board of Review, property owners are encouraged to contact their local township assessor's office to discuss their concerns.  

How to File an Appeal 

  • When you have entered all the information required for your appeal, be sure to go to the section labeled submit, type in your name and press the submit button.  You will receive an email confirmation that your appeal has been received. 

Need Help? 

Call the Chief County Assessment Office at 847-377-2050 any time between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. 


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Just Days Remain to Be Counted in the 2020 Census  
The last day to respond to the 2020 Census is Wednesday, Sept. 30, but a recent court case may extend this date to October 31. To date, about 76.4% of Lake County residents have self-responded, and many more have provided responses to census takers who have visited their homes.  However, there are still many who haven’t been counted.  

Lake County depends on a complete census count to receive adequate federal funding to support schools, healthcare, roads and more.  

Remember: 

  1. The Census is safe.  
  2. The Census is confidential.  
  3. Your Census response cannot be shared with law enforcement or immigration officials.   

If you have not responded, please do so now online at 

my2020census.gov, or by calling 844-330-2020. 


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Early Voting Begins; Vote By Mail Ballots Are Coming 
Beginning Sept. 24, Vote by Mail ballots will be sent to Lake County voters who have already requested one, and ballots should start arriving in homes the following week. Included with your ballot will be information for returning your voted ballot, including the locations of the 21 new postage-free drop boxesYou can easily verify the status of your Vote by Mail application and ballot by logging onto LakeVoterPower.info and selecting "Track My Mail Ballot".  

Our Lake County GIS team has created a helpful tool to locate the postage-free ballot dropbox nearest to your home. Four dropboxes in the County will be available 24 hours a day beginning Sept. 24, and additional dropboxes will be available beginning Oct. 19.  When you’re ready to drop off your ballot, click here to find the nearest available dropbox location. 

In-person voting: Also beginning Sept. 24 and continuing through Oct. 16, in-person early voting will be available at the Lake County Main Courthouse Lobby only, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan during regular business hours Monday to Friday,  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  In-person early voting at other locations across the county will begin Oct. 19 and continue through Nov. 2.  

You can log onto LakeVoterPower.info to see address, map and driving directions for: 

  1. The early voting site closest to your home 
  2. A complete list of all early voting sites, and 
  3. Your assigned Election Day voting site 
The Lake County Clerk’s office looks forward to serving all voters, whether they choose to vote by mail, vote in-person during early voting, or vote in-person on election day, with safety and security as top priorities.  

For everything you need to know about voting in the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election, visit the Lake County Clerk election web page. 


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Polling Place Changes for Nov. 3 Election 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing requirements, some election day polling places in Libertyville Township have been changed for the Nov. 3, 2020 general election.  Voters in the precincts listed below who wish to vote in person on election day should note the following changes: 

 Libertyville Township Precincts 175, 181 and 201: The new voting site is Lake Shore Harley-Davidson, 14000 W. Rockland Rd, Libertyville (the previous site was Lambs Farm Magnolia Café). 


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September is National Preparedness Month 

If ever there was a year that underscores the importance of being prepared for an emergency, 2020 has been it!  The month of September is designated as National Preparedness Month, so the Lake County Communications Division interviewed Lake County Emergency Management Specialist Rebecca Kumar to talk about the steps every family should take to be sure they are prepared for any emergency.  

Follow these four steps: 

  •  Make a plan to communicate if there is a disaster. Ensure that this is up to date to account for COVID-19. 
  • Build a kit with supplies that you may need. Include COVID-19 materials like hand sanitizer, masks, and disinfectant. 
  • Prepare for events common in your area, like possible flooding or power outages. Know the risks that you face where you live. Act fast if you receive a local alert. 
  • Talk to your kids about preparednessMake sure they know what to do if you are separated. 

Visit ready.gov/plan for additional resources 

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Lake County COVID-19 Update  

Case Count Update   

The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of Sept. 24, there are 16,640 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 464 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information. As of Sept. 22, the testing positivity rate in the North Suburban Region was 5 percent, with daily increases in one of the past 10 days. View the region 9 current information.      

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Get Help 

Lake County Forward

Rent and Utility Assistance 

If you’re a Lake County resident and need help paying rent or utility bills because you’ve lost income due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to apply for the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program (CHRP).  Applying is easy—simply dial 211 from your phone or text your zip code to 898211, and you will be connected with someone who can help.
To learn more about the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program, click here. 


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Employment Resources    

Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources: 

  • Drive-Thru Abbott Hiring Event Oct. 3:
    Abbott Laboratories plans to hire more than 2,000 employees in Gurnee to assist with the manufacturing of Abbott’s new rapid COVID-19 test, which recently received approval from the federal U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Want to apply? Attend a drive-thru event to apply for a production assembly position.  The jobs pay $15/hour for the first shift or $18/hour for the second shift.  
    Date/TimeSaturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    PlaceCristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, 3106 Belvidere Road, Waukegan  
    Masks are required; Bring copies of your resume
    Download the event flyer in English
    Download the event flyer in Spanish
    Watch the video to learn more about the opportunity. 
    Apply today at manpower.com   
  • Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings. 
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  • Benefit from the WIOA Program and Job Center Programs   

    The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) program offered by the Job center of Lake County and other local Workforce Boards throughout the State of Illinois has changed many lives despite the challenging job scenarios created by the pandemic.

    A Lake County Workforce Development client was recently featured in a video illustrating the business engagement and individual achievements of local workforce areas.  Learn how Jasmine, with assistance from the Job Center of Lake County and through her own hard work and perseverance, recently landed a job. Watch the video and read the Lake County Workforce Development Newsletter 

    You could also benefit from the services provided by the Job Center of Lake County. Visit the below resource pages for more information: 

Moratorium on Utility Shutoffs Extended Through Winter 2021 for Eligible Customers 

Several state-regulated utilities have said they will voluntarily extend their moratoriums on shutoffs through Winter of 2021 for eligible low-income residential customers, in response to a request from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).  

Commonwealth Edison, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, among others, will voluntarily extend the moratorium on disconnections for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program qualified residential customers through March 31, 2021 and are further considering additional options to help their customers during this unprecedented time. Additionally, Nicor Gas and Liberty Utilities have agreed to extend the moratorium on disconnections for all residential customers until March 31, 2021. 

If you have missed utility bill payments or you are struggling to pay your bill, call your utility company. No documentation or written proof is necessary, but you must make the phone call and verbalize your difficulty. This action will ensure a continuation of utility service. 


Get Assistance With ComEd Bills     

ComEd has developed several programs to help customers who are experiencing financial hardshipCustomers who are challenged in paying their outstanding balances and energy bills should contact ComEd's customer care team as soon as possible at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334- 7661), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to take advantage of assistance options. 

  • 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.  
  • 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 
  • Flexible, Extended Payment Arrangements: For a limited time, residential customers may be eligible for flexible payment arrangements. 

Learn more at ComEd.com/Support 


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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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Health Department News

Flue Vaccination

Flu Shots More Important Than Ever This Season 

The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older receive an annual flu shot before the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune system to respond and provide protection.  
Keep in mind that because COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses, it is possible to get sick from both, even at the same time. Getting your annual flu vaccine helps protect yourself and others from influenza.  

The Health Department offers the flu vaccine by appointment at its Community Health Centers throughout Lake County. To make an appointment, call 847-377-8800. Retail clinics, pharmacies, and individual healthcare providers also provide flu shots. To find a convenient location to get your family’s flu vaccinations, visit vaccinefinder.org.  


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Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations by Appointment  

All dogs and cats in Lake County are required to be vaccinated against rabies and registered. On a limited basis and by appointment only, the Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control program offers low-cost rabies and distemper vaccinationsFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 847-377-4700. Learn more 

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Forest Preserve News 

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The Orchid Whisperers 

Orchids, known to be elegant, evolved and delicate, are among the rarest plants and habitats found in the Lake County Forest Preserves. Known to many as the orchid whisperers, Manager of Ecological Restoration Pati Vitt and Restoration Ecologist Ken Klick are leading restoration efforts in Lake County that will encourage the persnickety plants to grow and provide a healthier ecosystem overall. Learn more »  


Stay Connected

Stay Connected 

If you are interested in the Lake County Forest Preserves, follow us on our social media platforms so you can stay updated on what’s going on in your preserves, where new trail connections are, the latest virtual programs, wildlife pictures and facts, and much more. Follow or friend us on Facebook,
TwitterInstagramYouTubeFlickr, and LinkedIn. The forest preserves have experienced a record number of visitors since COVID-19 concerns began last spring. Bookmark LCFPD.org to learn more about the second-largest forest preserve district in Illinois.  


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Virtual Program: Ask an Educator 

Buckthorn Removal & Healthy Hedges is the topic of our free virtual Ask an Educator Live session that runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Experts will share tips for removing this invasive non-native species and suggest replacement plants. Join us live via Zoom or Facebook every other Wednesday for the Q&A series featuring a panel of educators and guest panelists excited to share their expertise about Lake County nature and history. Learn more » 

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Community Events and News

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Enjoy Fall in Lake County 

Fall began on Sept. 22, and Lake County is the place to be during the fall season. Here are some events that you can enjoy in fall, while wearing a mask and following proper social distancing guidelines: 
Participate in a photo contestvisit a museum, or visit Didier Farm Pumpkin FestFind other events near you on the Visit Lake County website. 

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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. 

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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