November 12, 2020
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Approves Balanced Budget With No Tax Increase
At its Nov. 10 meeting, the Lake County Board approved a balanced budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. For the second year in a row, the Board did not raise the total tax levy. As a result, Lake County's tax rate will likely decrease slightly, which means most homeowners will see a slight reduction next year in the Lake County government portion of their property tax bill. Individual tax bills may vary depending on how a property’s assessed value has changed and depending on the actions of other local government taxing bodies.
The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had many ramifications for Lake County in 2020, among them a significant reduction in Lake County revenues in a number of areas. The impact is anticipated to continue into Fiscal Year 2021.
Learn more
Lake County Election Results
Interested in how Lake County voters voted for president? Want to know what the voting results are in local races? Per Illinois state statute, election results are unofficial and not final until Nov. 17. |
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This allows time to count still-arriving mailed ballots postmarked by Nov. 3, and for the processing and counting of verified provisional ballots. View the unofficial results from the Nov. 3 Election.
Call Before You Come
Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Lake County, many departments within the County have suspended in-person services and are providing remote customer service only. This includes the Treasurer’s Office, the Chief County Assessment Office and—beginning Nov. 16—the Recorder of Deeds Office. |
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Before you visit a County office, be sure to call or check the individual department’s website to verify their hours, and whether or not in-person assistance is available. Our staff remains committed to providing exceptional customer service via phone and email, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you need. Visit lakecountyil.gov/Departments to view the latest service information of the department/office you are interested in.
2-1-1 Service Has Helped Thousands in Its First Year
October marked the one-year anniversary of the countywide 2-1-1 service operated by United Way of Lake, with funding and support from Lake County government and other partners.
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In its first year of service, 2-1-1 received 6,760 calls and texts to its contact center, and more than 49,000 visits to the 211LakeCounty.org website. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, more than half of the calls and texts have been related to COVID-19, with the top needs related to housing and shelter, utilities, food and mental health. Requests for help have come from every zip code in Lake County.
To meet some of those needs, Lake County has responded by increasing funding for rent and utility assistance through the COVID Housing Relief Program
(CHRP). The 2-1-1 center is centralizing and streamlining the rental assistance screening process to make it easier for individuals and families facing financial hardship to access resources.
Dozens of community leaders and stakeholders tuned in to a recent webinar that discussed 2-1-1's measurable impact, and featured success stories of how 2-1-1 has made a real difference in Lake County for community members, employers, agencies and local government. Watch the recording.
National Recycling Day Nov. 15
Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day. It’s a good time to think about how we can all do our part to reduce waste.
Do your part to recycle smart: SWALCO
reminds us to be careful NOT to put plastic bags in our recycling bins. Recycling sorting centers are not able to process plastic bags, which damage equipment and do more harm than good. Other items that should not go in our bins include clothing, shoes, liquid, and batteries.
Follow these recycling guidelines.
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Recycle your old Halloween costumes and other unwanted textiles: Tattered, stained and unwanted clothing and other textiles is a big source of landfill waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. To make it easier for Lake County residents to recycle clothing, SWALCO has 50 textile collection bins located at 38 sites throughout Lake County. Learn more, and find a location near you.
Where do I recycle this? Do you have old electronics, holiday lights, household chemicals, batteries or other materials that can’t be put in a recycling bin? Visit SWALCO’s web page to learn where you can bring your items.
Manufacturing Space is Expanding in Lake County
While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on the economy, Lake County Partners—a public/private partnership for economic development in Lake County, reports that there are some bright spots to celebrate in Lake County:
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In Grayslake, Medline’s new 1.4 million sq. ft. distribution facility is under construction in the 600-acre Cornerstone development. Once complete, it will be the fifth largest such facility in the world.
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In Waukegan, Bridge Development Partners reached a long-term lease agreement with Waukegan-based national logistics company Visual Pak, to occupy the entire 189,000 sq. ft. facility recently completed at the Bridge Point North Business Park. The building is one of four being constructed as part of the project’s third phase, which will add a total of 919,281 sq. ft. to the 225-acre campus and solidify Lake County’s position as a premiere location for state-of-the-art industrial space.
Veterans History Project
Each year, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court honors veterans through its Veterans History Project
(VHP). This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court is pleased to honor veterans virtually, in a video that recaps past Veterans History Project events at the Lake County Courthouse and a recognition of local veterans. |
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The VHP makes personal accounts of American veterans accessible for future generations. Watch the video of this year's VHP, co-chaired by Judges Charles W. Smith and Elizabeth M. Rochford.
The VHP will resume an in-person celebration on Veterans Day 2021. For more information on the Court's activities, please visit the Court's website.
In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and their families. To learn more, visit the
Veterans Assistance Commission page.
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 Nov. 11, there are 26,431 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 537 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the Lake County Coronavirus Datahub. As of Nov. 8, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9 was 14.5 percent, with daily increases in 10 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 following locations in November. A mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be available on:
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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.
The state of Illinois operates the following testing sites, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free.
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Waukegan, 102 W. Water Street
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Arlington Heights, 2000 W. Euclid Ave.
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.
Contact Tracing: Answer the Call
More than 100 contact tracers are hard at work at the Lake County Health Department, interviewing individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and identifying close contacts who may have been exposed to the infectious person. |
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The contact tracers then reach out to those close contacts to notify them of their possible exposure and request that they quarantine. The identity of the infected person is NOT shared with their close contacts.
These calls and text messages come from 312-777-1999 and may show up on your caller ID as “IL COVID HELP.” Please answer the call to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Call back right away if you receive a message from the Health Department, and provide the information requested to help protect others in your household and community.
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.
Upcoming Pop-Up Food Drives
College of Lake County: 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. on 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
Barton Senior Residence, Zion: Community Action Partnership of Lake County, along with Barton Senior Residence-Zion and Roberti Community House, invite those who need a
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little extra help during this time to come to a drive-through and pick-up food
giveaway.
Time and Date: Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to noon or until supplies last
Place: Barton Senior Residence, 3500 Sheridan Road, Zion
Please wear a mask, stay in your car at all times, follow the traffic volunteers, open your trunk, and the boxes will be placed in your trunk.
Lake County CATCH Program Provides Food Assistance
The Lake County Community Action to Combat Hunger (CATCH) Program is still taking new clients.
CATCH is a coalition of local organizations that connects families who are in need of food to resources. If you need to quarantine or isolate and can’t access food, the CATCH program can help. Call 211 to be connected.
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Resources
Lake County Partners and the College of Lake County’s Small Business Development Center continue to host webinars and provide resources to help businesses ensure their Paycheck Protection Program loans are forgiven. Learn more
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 November
- 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.
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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New Program: ComEd announced a new program, Helping Hand, to offer immediate aid to eligible customers most in need during the pandemic. This program offers expedited, one-time financial assistance up to $300 for a limited time to help limited-income customers facing financial hardships. Learn more and apply online.
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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.
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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Metra Debuts Bike Car on Milwaukee District North Line
In early November, Metra introduced its first Bike Car, answering the call from bike enthusiasts to have more room for bicycles on its trains. The car can carry 16 bicycles instead of the usual five allowed on Metra’s accessible diesel railcars and will be deployed on the Milwaukee District North Line as part of a pilot program that will last into the spring of 2021.
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The Bike Car is easily identified by its blue and grey paint scheme, as well as a large white bicycle decal adjacent to the exterior doors. The car will run on four inbound and four outbound trains during the week and two inbound and two outbound trains on Saturdays. Learn more
Health Department News
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Roll up Your Sleeves to Fight Flu!
Now is the time to roll up your sleeve and get your influenza (flu) vaccine. The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to build up your immune system’s defense. While flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, one key difference is that there are vaccines to prevent flu.
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The vaccine is effective at preventing common flu strains and reduces the severity of your illness if you do get the flu. Contact your doctor or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a flu vaccine provider near you. Flu vaccines are available at the Health Department’s Community Health Centers across Lake County. For an appointment, call (847) 377-8800.
State’s Attorney’s Office News
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State’s Attorney Receives Federal Grant to Support Mental Health Crisis Center
The Lake County State’s Attorney's Office has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to support a proposed 23-hour Crisis Triage Stabilization Center to assist people struggling with mental health crises. The three-year grant, obtained jointly with Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, will provide funding for personnel and other program costs to help run the program. Read more
Lake County Children's Advocacy Center Re-accredited
The National Children's Alliance (NCA) has approved the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center's re-accreditation, acknowledging the center and team's extensive work. The Center’s Executive Director Carrie Flanigan said accreditation guarantees the advocacy center is providing the most consistent and evidence-based interventions to the children being served.
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It also shows the advocacy center is at the forefront with the best practices to make sure children who are physically and/or sexually abused are being treated with the best model in the country. The Lake County Children's Advocacy Center (LCCAC) has become the second-largest performing children's advocacy center in Illinois and a pilot location for other advocacy centers in the state. Read more
Forest Preserve News
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Des Plaines River Trail Earns National Recognition
The National Recreation Trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of federal and nonprofit partners. It recognizes exemplary existing trails that connect people to federal, state and local resources and improve their quality of life.
The DPRT is a recreational treasure in Lake County and one of the crown jewels of the forest preserve system. Acquiring the land and building a continuous 31.4-mile trail along the Des Plaines River’s edge took 57 years and 133 separate land purchases to achieve. Being added to the National Trails System is a significant achievement of this work. Learn more »
Lighted Trails Open for the Season
Fall Bird Migration
Fall bird migration is happening now in northern Illinois. Unlike spring migration, most birds travel quietly in the fall, barely whispering a note to indicate their presence. In Lake County, fall migration starts in July, when forests and prairies are green and full of blooming flowers. It’s a five-month-long period involving more than 200 species that rest and feed in our nearly 31,000 acres of forest preserves. Learn more about fall migration in the Lake County Forest Preserves Nature Blog. |
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Winter Recreation
Cold weather brings winter fun in your Lake County Forest Preserves. Before heading out to the forest preserves for a winter hike or a twirl on the ice, check the status map on the winter sports page.
The preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset. An array of activities are offered:
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Sledding: Sled hills are located at Lakewood in Wauconda and Old School in Libertyville.
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Cross-Country Skiing: Cross-country skiers can enjoy nearly 189 miles of trails at forest preserves throughout Lake County. Groomed trails are available at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area and at Old School, when conditions allow.
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Snowmobiling: Snowmobilers can use 21 miles of designated trails
within the preserves, many of which connect to other area snowmobile trails. A 4-inch snow base is required for snowmobiling.
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Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and head to the lake at Independence Grove in Libertyville or the rink at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area.
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Ice Fishing: When conditions allow, ice fishing is available on Banana Lake at Lakewood, Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth,
Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Lake Carina in Gurnee, and the South Bay at Independence Grove.
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Walking Trails: Walking the 207.3 miles of trails in the winter offers an opportunity for outdoor recreation in nature and improved physical and mental wellness.
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Lighted Trails: Hikers and cross-country skiers can get some evening exercise along designated solar-lit trails at Lakewood and Old School, open until 9 p.m., daily, now through March 14, 2021.
What Happened in Committees?
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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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