October 29, 2020
Lake County Government News
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Essential Information About Voting
Early Voting Available Through Nov. 2: Early voting sites across Lake County are open seven days a week—Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 1. Four early voting locations will remain open on Nov. 2. You may vote at any location, regardless of where you live. View a list of locations and hours |
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Know the Wait Times Before You Go: Our GIS Department has developed a very cool tool for voters to find the closest early voting site to their address, and get an approximate idea of how long the wait is. The site is updated every 30 minutes during voting hours. Check it out here:
https://maps.lakecountyil.gov/EarlyVotingSites/
Vote by Mail: If you decide you want to vote by mail but have not yet requested a ballot, you can do so through 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. To return your completed vote-by-mail ballot, you must:
- Hand deliver it to the Lake County Clerk's office no later than 7 p.m. Nov. 3
- Mail it with a postmark no later than Nov. 3
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Place it in a postage-free drop-box. Find a dropbox close to your home.
Vote on Election Day: You may vote in-person at your assigned neighborhood voting site between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. You may also vote at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake or in the lobby of the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. Find your Election Day polling place.
Voting Statistics: If you’re interested in knowing how many people have asked for vote by mail ballots, how many voters have voted early, and more, visit the Lake County Clerk’s Press Power page for the most recent information.
Election Results: After polls close at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, the Lake County Clerk will begin tabulating the results and posting them as they are available on its
Election Results page.
A conversation with Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor: Learn about early voting in Lake County, poll-watching, electioneering rules and more.
Watch the video.
More information: Visit the Lake County Clerk November 2020 Election Page for everything you need to know about voting, including candidate lists, sample ballots, voter registration and more.
Still have questions? Call 847-377-VOTE (8683).
Most County Offices Closed on Nov. 3
With the exception of activities related to Election Day, most County offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Earlier this summer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation designating Election Day this year as a state holiday, and stating that government offices shall be closed with the exception of election authorities, unless being used as a polling place or for other election day services. |
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This means that if you are looking to secure a County permit, get a marriage license or take care of other Lake County-related business, those services will not be available on Nov. 3.
All offices will resume normal hours on Wednesday, Nov. 4. To find online services, visit us any time at www.lakecountyil.gov.
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Lake County to Enter Mitigation on Saturday
Due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections in Lake and McHenry counties, on Wednesday, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that COVID-19 resurgence mitigations would be implemented in both counties beginning 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020.
As of Oct. 25, the region’s COVID-19 testing positivity rate was 8.4%. North Suburban Region 9 has seen a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days, which exceeds the thresholds set for establishing mitigation measures under the state’s Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan.
Mitigation measures are strategies, such as restrictions on certain activities, to slow the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions will remain in effect in Region 9 until the region’s positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5% over a 3-day period.
Mitigation measures taking effect on Oct. 31 in Region 9 include:
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No indoor bar or restaurant service
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Outside bar and restaurant service must close by 11 p.m.
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No seating of multiple parties at one table
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Gatherings, meetings and social events are limited to the lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of room capacity
Everyone should continue to follow the 3 Ws to slow the spread of COVID-19:
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Wear a mask
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Wash your hands
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Watch your distance
To view the North Suburban Region metrics on the Illinois Department of Public Health website, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics and select Region 9. Metrics are updated daily, including testing positivity rates, hospital admissions, and hospital capacity.
Case Count Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of Oct. 28, there are 20,553 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 510 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information As of Oct. 25, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in the North Suburban Region was 8.4 percent, with daily increases in eight of the past 10 days. View the region 9 current information.
Upcoming COVID-19 Testing in Lake County
Free COVID-19 testing will be available at the below locations in Lake County this week. A mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be stationed at: |
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Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park Avenue, Libertyville
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Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Deerfield High School, 1959 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
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Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Round Lake High School, 800 High School Drive, Round Lake
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Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Highwood Public Library, 102 Highwood Avenue, Highwood (Walk-up only; no drive-through)
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Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Round Lake High School, 800 High School Drive, Round Lake
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Wednesday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Highwood Public Library, 102 Highwood Avenue, Highwood (Walk-up only; no drive-through)
Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. A phone number and name are required in order to receive testing results. Photo identification and proof of insurance are helpful, but not required. High demand for testing may result in long wait times.
State-run Community-Based Testing Sites, located in Waukegan (102 W. Water Street) and Arlington Heights (2000 W Euclid Avenue) are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free. For more information, visit the IDPH website at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid-19-testing-sites.
Many healthcare providers in Lake County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. Residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.
Health Department Recommends Remote Learning for Schools
On Oct. 20, the Lake County Health Department
issued a recommendation that all public and private K-12 schools in Lake County transition to virtual learning due to ‘substantial’ community transmission of COVID-19. This recommendation was based on the fact that the seven-day rolling average daily incidence rate in Lake County rose above 14 cases per 100,000 residents.
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Substantial community transmission (Greater than 14 cases per 100,000 residents): Virtual learning model
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Moderate community transmission (At least seven but fewer than 14 cases per 100,000 residents): Hybrid learning model
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Minimal community transmission (Fewer than seven cases per 100,000 residents): In-person learning model
Get Help
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Get Help Paying Rent and Utilities
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). |
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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. Learn more about the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program.
CLC Pop-Up Food Market Every Other Tuesday Through December
Families in need of food are invited to come to a drive-through pop-up food market every other Tuesday hosted by the College of Lake County in conjunction with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The markets will run through at least the end of December. No identification is required, and each family will receive approximately 50 pounds of food, including protein, produce and dairy.
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Time and Dates: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Dec. 29
Place: College of Lake County, 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, Parking Lot 5 on the southeast side, accessible off Lancer Lane.
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources from the Job Center of Lake County:
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Advocate Aurora Health Virtual Interviews: Advocate Aurora Health is hiring for housekeeping, food and nutrition, Certified Nursing Assistants and other health care positions. Interviews will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to register
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Four vital Virtual Tools for Job Seekers
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Calendar of online events in October and November
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Read the latest Workforce brief, an overview of how Lake County Workforce Development has provided employment services to local employers utilizing innovative strategies and grants.
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Visit the resource room. Jobseekers can set up a time to use the computers for a self-directed job search by calling 847 377 3450. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.
Help for Domestic Violence Victims
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a spike in abuse cases and increased isolation for those struggling. Visit the #ListeningFromHome campaign by NoMore.org to learn about Domestic Violence and COVID-19. |
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If you or someone you know needs help, call 211 or contact the A Safe Place 24-hour hotline at 1-800-600-SAFE. A Safe Place provides services to men, women, children, the elderly, LGBT community members, and teens. They are ready to take your call.
Get Assistance With ComEd Bills
Customers who need help paying their outstanding ComEd balances and energy bills should contact ComEd's customer care team at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334- 7661), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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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 flexible payment arrangements.
Learn more at 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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OPEN: New Roundabout at Dilley’s and Wadsworth Road
The new roundabout at the intersection of Dilley’s
and Wadsworth Road is now open! Construction went smoothly, allowing Lake County to open the roundabout more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Watch this video for 5 Things to Know about the Dilley’s and Wadsworth Road Roundabout.
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Grass Lake Road and Millburn Road Resurfacing
Main Street is now open as a majority of the new culvert work has been completed. Work on the culvert should resume later this fall (weather dependent) after a new gas line is run on the west side of Main Street. This work can be done under traffic using daily lane closures. Grading work is underway on Grass Lake Road where gaps in the sidewalk and bike path exist.
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Crews have begun pouring new sidewalk in front of Lakes High School. Millburn Road has been resurfaced and the remaining driveways will be completed shortly.
Public Works News
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See the Lake County Public Works Five-Year Project Plan
Water and sewer service is something you don’t often think about, but it’s always at the top of the minds for those working for the Lake County Public Works (LCPW) Department. Annually, LCPW releases a Capital Improvement Program to plan, design and construct projects to preserve, modernize, and expand the water and wastewater systems. One example of a project is replacing pipes that were installed in the 1950s!
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While many municipalities provide this service to their residents, Lake County also provides water and sewer service to thousands of customers located in many unincorporated areas and within some municipalities, such as Vernon Hills. The LCPW Capital Improvement Program is funded through a combination of user and connection fees. View the five-year program and learn about individual projects currently underway by visiting LCPW’s Capital Improvement web page.
Health Department News
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. Breast cancer that is found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. Don’t delay seeing your doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Health Department offers free breast cancer screenings to eligible Lake County residents, ages 50 and older, through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), located at 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan.
Women who are eligible can receive medical exams, clinical breast exams, and referrals for a free mammogram at a local hospital. To find out if you qualify, call (847) 377-8430.
Stormwater Management Commission News
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Lake County Board Approves Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO)
Because Lake County is experiencing more rainfall than in the past, the Lake County Board recently adopted 28 amendments to the countywide
Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO), strengthening stormwater management and flood protection standards for new development in Lake County. The WDO is one of many ways the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is working to help the thousands of residents and business owners affected by flooding. All communities in Lake County are being asked to adopt the revised ordinance no later than Jan. 18, 2021.
Request for Project Proposals: Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) continues help the thousands of residents and business owners who are affected by flood related issues. SMC was recently appropriated funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for regional stormwater capital improvements in Lake County, and is seeking stormwater capital improvement projects through a Request For Proposals (RFP).
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Eligible funding requests will range from $250,000 to $2,500,000. All project proposals must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. For more information, visit the SMC website.
Sheriff News
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Halloween Traffic Safety Campaign
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists of the importance of proper planning when attending Halloween gatherings, and not drinking and driving. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with local and state partners in a traffic safety campaign that began Oct. 17 and
continues to Nov. 1. Read more
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Forest Preserve News
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Special Exhibition Opens
"Breaking Barriers: Women in the Military" opened Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Dunn Museum,
1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. The special exhibition runs through Jan. 16, 2021, at the nationally accredited museum, a distinction held by only 3% of American museums. For centuries, women have helped to defend the nation in times of war and conflict.
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"In this tribute to those who served, the Dunn Museum shares unique Lake County stories and explores women's roles as nurses, auxiliary personnel, enlistees, and officers in the U.S. military," said Curator Heather Johnson. "The nation's struggle was their struggle, and women wanted to have a larger role, equal to men in responsibility and risk." Learn more »
2021 Budget Approved
In order to continue moving toward the 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan to preserve and sustain Lake County's natural landscape, and extend community outreach and education, the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2021 budget of $65,767,790 at its Oct. 13 meeting. The 2021 budget total represents an 18% decrease over the current year budget. It covers expenditures for the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2021. |
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"The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic fallout have played a significant role in the development of the 2021 spending plan," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "The impact of the public lockdown and limit on social activities and gatherings has had, and will continue to have, an impact on revenues." Learn more »
David Rides a Trike
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a toddler, David Goldman has battled an array of significant health issues over the years. The longtime Buffalo Grove resident points to two things that have helped get him get through chronic illness: his bicycle and the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway (DPRT). |
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"I have ridden about 13,000 miles on the DPRT since 2013," he said. "It's a beautiful, scenic trail that is so well maintained." The avid cyclist believes that riding and nature improve the psychological aspects of living with chronic health issues. He is now motivating others to experience the wellness benefits through his videos and website. Learn more »
Community Events and News
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Get Free Masks and Hand Sanitizer
Residents are invited to a drive-through event to receive reusable masks and hand sanitizer while supplies last. The event is sponsored by Medline and co-sponsored by County Board members Jennifer Clark and Jessica Vealitzek and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. |
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Each car will receive up to four masks and one bottle of hand sanitizer. On Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. until noon at the parking lot of Mundelein High School, 1350 W. Hawley Street, Mundelein. Learn more English and Spanish.
Trick or Treat Hours in Lake County 2020
Some communities in Lake County have established official trick-or-treating hours for Halloween, and others are not encouraging trick-or-treating this year, but instead are encouraging virtual activities. If your children go trick-or-treating, please follow these guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health:
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Wear a proper face covering. Only trick-or-treat with members of your household. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others while trick-or-treating.
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Consider leaving individually wrapped candy spaced apart on a driveway, in front of walkways, or any outdoor space where social distancing can be maintained.
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Do not eat any candy from trick-or-treating until you have washed your hands.
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Consider alternatives to trick-or-treating that limit interactions.
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Get more tips for safely celebrating Halloween
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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