Dear Neighbors,
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I hope you are staying safe and well. This February has gotten off to a frigid start. Click here for a list of warming centers in Lake County where residents can seek relief from extreme weather.
On the COVID-19 front, all of us are anxious to receive our vaccine, but the supply of vaccines is extremely limited. There are currently thousands of calls and emails from concerned residents, and it is taking some time to get back to everyone. We all want to ensure that the staff at the Health Department is as free as possible to focus on vaccinations, and we can help with that by checking out the Health Department’s Frequently Asked Questions page before calling or emailing. Click here to access the Lake County Health Department’s COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page.
Vaccinations are being rolled out in phases and the Lake County Health Department cannot give an exact date of when you will receive an email regarding scheduling an appointment. When appointments are available from the Lake County Health Department you will receive an email to schedule on the portal. The website will display locations and available times. If you do receive an email and find that all the appointments are booked, keep trying!
Some hospitals, pharmacies, manufacturers, and other partners in Lake County are vaccinating Phase 1b so please register in multiple places. Click here for a list of vaccine providers. It doesn’t matter where you get the vaccine! It will take several weeks to months before the Lake County Health Department completes Phase 1b.
The Lake County Health Department follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on the vaccination rollout and is currently vaccinating Phase 1a and will begin vaccinating Phase 1b next week. For a full list of who is eligible in each phase, click here.
- Phase 1a includes healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents.
- Phase 1b include seniors ages 65+ and frontline essential workers.
Please know that I empathize with your anxiety, and I continue to send you all every good thought as we move forward.
Take care and stay safe!
Carissa Casbon
Lake County Board Member District 7
Lake County Government News
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County Board to Consider Allowing Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board voted unanimously at its Board meeting on Feb. 9 to initiate the formal process to consider zoning regulations that would allow adult-use cannabis businesses to operate in unincorporated Lake County with certain restrictions.
A set of draft zoning regulations will be considered during a public hearing that will be held in the near future by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The date of the public hearing and other opportunities for public input will be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more
How to Apply Online for Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze
Property owners age 65 and older who have total household incomes of $65,000 or less are encouraged to apply for the Senior Citizen's Assessment Freeze. Even if you have received the exemption in the past, you MUST apply each year. All applications must be submitted online by July 31, 2021
through the Chief County Assessment Office Smart E-Filing Portal.
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Get Help Completing the Online Application:
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Watch a video with Chief County Assessment Officer Bob Glueckert, who demonstrates step-by-step how to apply online for the senior freeze and other exemptions, including those with disabilities.
- Call or visit the Chief County Assessment Office Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 847-377-2050; 18 N. County St., Waukegan, 7th Floor.
- Call or visit your local township assessor’s office Calling ahead for hours of operation is recommended.
Learn more
Report a Concern
Did you know you can report a pothole, a lost pet, or share a crime tip on Lake County's website? Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/ ReportConcern on your computer or mobile device, and your concern will be directly submitted to the appropriate department under Lake County's jurisdiction to be resolved.
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If a concern relates to a Village/Municipality or other agency, we will notify you and, when possible, direct your concern to the appropriate agency. Please note that this site is for non-emergency issues only. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Warming Centers Open in Lake County
Dangerously cold wind chills have been impacting our region all week. As temperatures drop, residents that do not have access to heat can utilize a warming center. Learn more
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Feb. 11 Recognized as 211 Day
At the Lake County Board meeting on Feb. 9, United Way of Lake County received special recognition for its outstanding contribution to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Board recognized Feb. 11 as 211 day in Lake County.
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United Way of Lake County’s 211 service was established just before the pandemic and had to quickly gear up to manage an influx of three times the daily call volume to provide assistance related to food, shelter, rent, utility, and other essential services.
Watch the video
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Very cold temperatures have the potential to cause one costly repair in your home--frozen pipes. Regardless of the material they’re made from, exposed pipes face the risk of freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage to homes. Protect your home this winter by taking the proper precautions.
Learn more about what you can do to prevent
frozen pipes.
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Protect Yourself Against Energy-Related Scams
Commonwealth Edison is warning customers of a recently reported scam in which individuals may pose as an employee from ComEd or another utility or tree service company. They will lure the resident or small-business owner outside to discuss work that they claim needs to be completed.
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While the individual is outside, an accomplice will enter the home or business to steal valuables and documents containing the individual’s personal or financial information. Learn more
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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First Case of COVID-19 Variant from UK Identified in Lake County
The Lake County Health Department is reporting the first case of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7 in Lake County. This variant, first identified in the United Kingdom, along with others that are emerging in other parts of the world seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants. It is extremely important that you follow quarantine recommendations and get tested if you have traveled or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
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Wearing masks, washing your hands, and keeping your distance from others continue to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus, regardless of the strain. Learn more
Lake County Moves into Phase 4
Due to a continued decline in the COVID
-19 testing positivity rate, Lake and McHenry counties, which comprise North Suburban Region 9, last week moved into Phase 4, which means a loosening of restrictions.
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Please continue to follow all precautions, including staying home if you are ill or have been exposed to someone who is known to have the virus.
Phase 4 Guidelines include:
- Indoor dining and drinking now permitted for parties of up to 10 people.
- Retail, service and personal care establishments limited to 50% occupancy
- Select indoor recreation facilities, including bowling alleys and skating rinks, may reopen
- Meetings and social events are limited to the lesser of 50 people or 50% room capacity
Learn more
s for Underserved Communities
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The COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community
Thursday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m.
AACPG Facebook Live
RSVP on Facebook
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A Conversation about the COVID-19 Vaccine and Helping the LatinX Community Register
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP on Zoom
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
So far, more than 60,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Lake County residents. Vaccine supply continues to be extremely limited.
- Phase 1a: The Health Department continues to vaccinate Phase 1a healthcare workers by appointment only at its mass vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
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Phase 1b: In this phase, seniors age 65 and older and frontline essential workers are eligible to get the vaccine. The Health Department will begin scheduling appointments for Phase 1b at the Lake County Fairgrounds next week. Email notifications will be sent through the Allvax portal.
Please be patient, as approximately 200,000 people in Lake County are in Phase 1B, and appointments are limited. In addition to the vaccination site at the Fairgrounds, several of our community partners have been providing Phase 1b vaccinations.
- Local hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies have begun to vaccinate seniors age 65 and older.
- Some large manufacturing companies have been vaccinating their employees who are age 65 and older, followed by their frontline workers.
- In partnership with the Health Department, two vaccination clinics at Lake County high schools have begun vaccinating Lake County private and public Pre-K through 12th grade staff.
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Local pharmacies will begin offering appointments. Visit the Illinois Vaccine Locator page to find locations near you.
Opt-In on Allvax to Gain Access to More Vaccine Providers
If you’ve registered on the Lake County Health Department’s Allvax portal, you now have the option to share your information (name, birthdate, email address, phone number and zip code) with other healthcare providers in Lake County, including hospitals and pharmacies, who will be providing the vaccine. By checking the appropriate box to opt in, you gain more access to more locations providing vaccines in Lake County as vaccine supply increases. For example, a hospital or pharmacy in your area who receives your information may reach out to you directly to schedule a vaccine appointment.
How to opt-in: Login to your Allvax account, click the pencil icon under “Edit Info”, and then check the box that says “yes” under the words “Lake County Health Department can share my information with other healthcare providers to facilitate my vaccination process.” By checking the box, your information will only be sent to our partner vaccine providers for the purpose of scheduling a vaccine appointment.
Attention Frontline Essential Workers--Please Update Your Information in Allvax: If you are an essential frontline worker in one of the following categories, please login to your Allvax account and check the appropriate box.
- First Responder
- Pre-K through 12th Grade
- Food Production and Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Corrections
- United States Postal Service
- Public Transit
- Grocery Store
- Shelters
- Adult Day Care
- Group Child Day Care
- Group Day Camps
As Illinois updates its COVID-19 Vaccination Plan with additional categories of essential workers, the Allvax system will be updated and you will receive an email letting you know of the changes.
Helpful Links
COVID-19 Case Count Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of Feb. 9, there are 53,299 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, including 891 deaths. View the Lake County Coronavirus Datahub
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As of Feb. 7, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 5.5 percent. View the Region 9 current information.
Vaccination Count Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tracking vaccine distribution for all counties across the state. As of Feb. 9, Lake County had administered 60,045 vaccine doses, and 12,437 Lake County residents had been fully vaccinated with two doses. View the IDPH Vaccine Administration Data
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COVID-19 Testing
While vaccinations continue to roll out in Illinois, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 testing is still readily available for those who may have been exposed.
A mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health is coming to Mundelein, Highland Park, and Lake Villa this week.
Mundelein Metra Station
205 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein
Thursday, Feb. 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Highland Park Country Club
1201 Park Ave. W., Highland Park
Friday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Antioch/Lake Villa Township Center
1625 Deep Lake Road, Lake Villa
Saturday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Drive-thru and walk-up testing is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Waukegan at 102 W. Water Street.
Residents may now schedule an appointment for their COVID-19 test by visiting Illinois Department of Public Health’s MyChart website:
https://rebrand.ly/idph. Members of the public can sign in or sign up to create IDPH MyChart account. Once logged in, select ‘Visits’ and then ‘Schedule an Appointment’.
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. Testing locations may close early due to inclement weather or if daily testing supplies are exhausted. Additional COVID-19 testing locations and information can be found at the IDPH website.
Beware of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
With vaccines in short supply, it is important to be aware of and avoid COVID-19 scams.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for all who choose to receive it. Here are some signs of potential scams:
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You are asked to pay out of pocket for the vaccine.
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You are asked to pay to get on a waiting list or to get early access.
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You see or hear advertisements for the vaccine through email, call, text, or social media claiming to have access to the vaccine.
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You are asked for your social security number, bank account, or credit card number.
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).
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.
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Now Accepting New Loan Applications
To provide continued support to small businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration has opened the second round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. First-time applicants can apply here and second-time applicants can apply at this link. Learn more
Recently, Lake County Partners hosted a webinar with more information about the PPP program. View the presentation
Mobile Food Pantries and Pop-Up Food Markets
The Northern Illinois Food Bank maintains a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Families in need of food are invited to come to attend any of the markets to receive free groceries. No ID or registration is required. For a complete calendar, visit solve hunger today.
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Health Insurance
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a special enrollment period for health insurance will begin on Feb. 15. People can go to healthcare.gov to find health insurance options.
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources:
Your Personal Brand and Resume: Regardless of your job title or field, you have a personal brand. Learn how to customize your resume and other written tools to help you land a great job! Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m. online Register here
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Mastering the Virtual Job Interview: Virtual interviews are becoming a staple of the candidate recruiting process. Learn the necessary tips and tricks to successfully interview online and land your next job! Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. online Register here
- Four vital Virtual Tools for Job Seekers.
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Calendar of Job Center events
- Schedule time to use the Job Center of Lake County resource room computers for your job search by calling 847-377-3450. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. For more information, visit the Job Center website.
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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
Commonwealth Edison offers several different programs for individuals and small businesses experiencing financial hardship to receive assistance with their electric bill payments. To learn more, visit ComEd.com/Support.
Mental Health Crisis Care
The Lake County Health Department offers mental health support through its Crisis Care hotline, available 24/7 at (847) 377-8088. Services are free and confidential.
Learn more
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help 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 You Can Help
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Blood Donors Needed
Save lives by donating blood! There is currently a nationwide shortage of supply and all blood types are needed. There are two organizations in Lake County that participate in blood collection:
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Vitalant: Vitalant (formerly LifeSource) operates two donation locations in Lake County, in Gurnee and Lake Bluff. Please schedule your appointment in advance by calling 877-258-4825 or visiting vitalant.org.
- American Red Cross: Schedule an appointment at https://redcrossblood.org.
For other ways to help visit Lake County Health Departments page on How You Can Help.
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Transportation News
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Stay Informed – Alerts from Lake County Public Works
Extremely cold weather can sometimes lead to water main breaks and other potential service disruptions. If you are a Lake County Public Works Department water and/or sanitary sewer customer, make sure you are signed up for alerts so you can be notified by telephone, text message and email of urgent information. Sign up today, and learn more by watching this video.
Please note that to sign up, you must be a water and/or sanitary sewer customer of the Lake County Department of Public Works. Those who are not a Lake County Public Works customer should contact their water or sewer provider on the best way to get information from them.
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Provide Input: Arlington Heights Road Reconstruction Project
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is studying potential improvements to Arlington Heights Road, and we want to hear from you! Arlington Heights Road between IL 83 and Lake Cook Road has reached the end of its service life and needs to be replaced. Lake County is using this opportunity to make safety and operational improvements to the corridor, such as adding turn lanes or connecting sidewalk gaps.
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LCDOT has just begun planning for the project and no final plans are being considered at this time. Now, the public is encouraged to provide their input on existing conditions and what the community hopes the project can improve upon.
Learn the Ins and Outs of Improving Transportation
Did you know there are ways for you to help improve walking, biking, and transit options in the region? Join the Active Transportation Alliance in February for Suburban Action Week, a virtual event featuring a series of short online talks and workshops with advocates, county staff, and community leaders from around the region.
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Register for the free event that runs from Feb. 15 to 20. Tune in at any time. The Lake County Division of Transportation and Lake County Forest Preserves will be providing a Lake County update at this event on Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. Registration is free.
Treasurer’s Office News
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Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral
The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral is a State of Illinois program that allows qualified senior citizens to defer up to $5,000 yearly to pay property taxes on their personal residence at a 6% simple interest per year. For more information please visit our page on the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program. All applications must be completed and notarized by March 1, 2021.
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Forest Preserve News |
Plowed and Groomed Trails
Paved loops are plowed for walking at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and Old School in Mettawa. Please remember to be courteous to other trail users. Skiers should stay to the outside of the trail and walkers are asked to avoid stepping on ski tracks whenever possible. Before heading out, check the winter sports page for status maps.
Dunn Museum Reopens
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville reopens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 13 with a reduced schedule, online timed ticketing to maintain visitation at a reduced capacity, and other safety protocols in place to comply with COVID-19 concerns. Purchase timed entry tickets in advance online at LCFPD.org /MuseumTickets. Limited walk-in availability.
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All public educational programs, including the USG Free Thursday Night programs, will continue to be held virtually. Visit LCFPD.org/calendar for dates and details, or follow @LCFPD on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Virtual Program: Curious Courtships of Lake County
Learn about the interesting and sometimes odd courtship behaviors of Lake County critters during a virtual presentation that takes place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. “Curious Courtships of Lake County” virtual program is intended for adults.
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This program cannot be registered using a mobile device. Please register using a desktop computer or call 847-367-6640. A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants no later than one hour prior to the start of the program. Tickets are required. The cost is $5. Learn more and get a ticket to attend»
Community Events & News
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Top Ten Things to do in February
Visit Lake County has compiled a great list of the top ten things to do in February. This includes many programs to help celebrate Black History Month, sledding, local museums and more. See the Top Ten List. Also, for winter sledding locations, check out a comprehensive guide to sledding and tubing in Lake County.
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Lake County Restaurant Rally Begins Feb. 26
Support Lake County’s local restaurants during Visit Lake County’s upcoming Restaurant Rally, Feb. 26 to March 7. Learn more
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2021 Garden Learning Series
The University of Illinois Extension, Lake County, and SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) invite you to get a headstart on Spring and register for the 2021 Garden Learning Series. You'll receive a variety of tips, tricks, resources, and techniques to lead you to success in the garden. Each program will be held the second Wednesday of the month, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sign up for just one or for several. The March and April programs will be offered virtually. Future dates may be offered live. Learn more
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New Program Provides Resources Via Text to Parents of Young Children
United Way of Lake County has teamed up with Bright by Text, a national parent texting program. Designed for parents and caregivers with children under age 8, this program helps them make the most out of time at home with their children by illustrating fun and easy activities, providing positive parenting tips and resources, and even video content to guide a child’s development. To sign up, text "UWLC" to 27448 and receive two to four educational text messages per week.
Learn more
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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.
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The public can also offer "live" public comments during the Zoom meetings from the comfort of their own home or submit comments 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 video recordings and agendas:
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