February 25, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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Our local medical providers, retail pharmacies and the Lake County Health Department continue to work together to improve vaccine availability. We will begin seeing increased supplies early next month and we expect there will be increased appointment availability at medical offices and retail pharmacies. I hope we can all continue to be patient and sign up for vaccine appointments when it’s our time. Read below for volunteer opportunities to help.
On Friday, Feb. 19 the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity hosted a meeting with local officials including Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan, Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison and myself. Several other legislators and county board members from Lake County attended. SMC is our leading coordination agency to help analyze needs, direct funding and project management for stormwater improvement projects. State, county and federal funds will be guided by these collaborative conversations and rest assured working with our other local officials I will continue to advocate for funding of projects that will address flooding issues in our community.
This week the County Board’s Finance & Administration Committee and Public Works and Transportation Committee held a joint committee discussion regarding the county’s $1.7 transportation infrastructure backlog. The committees discussed funding solutions to invest in our roads, bridges, waterways and non-motorized transportation routes. Next week our committees will consider a motor fuel tax increase. In 2019 the IL General Assembly enacted a law that allows collar counties to enact a local motor fuel tax. Lake County is the only county that has not yet done so and our transportation infrastructure investments have fallen behind as a consequence.
Thanks again for reading our newsletter, as always contact me if I can be of assistance to you.
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Your help is needed at COVID-19 vaccination clinics. While those with medical training are needed to serve as vaccinators and wellness-check observers, there are many roles available for volunteers that don’t require medical knowledge. This includes on-site traffic control, greeters, and check-in screeners, as well as remote customer support. Watch the video and visit our website to learn more and apply. |
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Vaccine Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to vaccinate individuals in Phase 1a and Phase 1b, including healthcare workers, seniors age 65 and over and frontline essential workers, at its mass vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds. If you are registered in the Allvax system, you will receive an email (or a phone call for those who don’t have email) when a vaccine is available for you to schedule an appointment. Please be patient, as there are approximately 200,000 people registered in Allvax in Phase 1b, and vaccine supply continues to be limited. |
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Because of this, the health department will NOT be expanding Phase 1b to include individuals under age 65 with high-risk medical conditions or disabilities. Pharmacies and other entities that receive vaccine supply of their own (separate from the Lake County Health Department’s supply) may choose to follow the expanded guidelines of the State of Illinois, which go into effect Feb. 25.
For the most current information about how to register for a vaccine, when you can get a vaccine, vaccine locations and more, please visit the Lake County COVID-19 Vaccine page.
COVID-19 Vaccine Helpful Links
and Vaccine Information Over the Phone
The Lake County Health Department provides support for COVID-19 vaccine registration through its AllVax Support Center, Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by phone at (847) 377-8130, and by email at AllVax@lakecountyil.gov.
Beginning this week, additional volunteers are available to take calls from Lake County residents age 65 and older during special senior hours:
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Tuesdays: Noon to 3 p.m.
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Thursdays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Fridays: Noon to 3 p.m.
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During the hours listed above, seniors calling (847) 377-8130 can select option 1 to be routed to a volunteer. Because vaccine supply is very limited at this time and demand is high, volunteers at the call center cannot schedule or expedite appointments. However, they can help people register and answer questions about the process. If you leave a voicemail when you call, a volunteer will call you back.
Positivity Rate: As of Feb. 20, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 4 percent. View Region 9 information.
Vaccination Count: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of Feb. 23, there have been 99,874 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 23,627residents have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data
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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 the Illinois Department of Public Health MyChart website at https://rebrand.ly/idph. Sign in or sign up to create an account, and then select ‘Visits’ and then ‘Schedule an Appointment.’
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Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. Be aware that 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. Find additional testing locations and information at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.
Lake County Government News
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The Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently reached a milestone, distributing more than 2 million items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the last 11 months, including masks, gloves, gowns and other supplies. Those items were distributed to numerous organizations in need, including long-term care facilities, first responders, hospitals, healthcare workers, schools, and other local organizations that are on the front lines across Lake County. |
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Thank you to the LCEMA team for your hard work and dedication in keeping our residents and businesses safe.
Be a good neighbor and get paid for it! The Lake County Clerk’s Office is looking for election workers for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election. Most importantly, your help is needed to maintain the integrity of the voting process.
You must be a Lake County registered voter and enthusiastic about customer service. Bilingual English/Spanish speaking applicants are encouraged to apply. Training classes are taking place from Feb. 26 to March 2. Learn more
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6 Election
All Lake County registered voters are encouraged to vote in the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election, to choose local leaders such as municipal mayors, school board members, park district and library commissioners and more. All voters may request a vote-by-mail ballot, which allows you to vote from the comfort of your own home. To do so:
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Applications to vote by mail must be received no later than April 1. Ballots will be printed and mailed beginning March 12. Learn more
New Watershed Plan Coming for Fish Lake and Squaw Creek Areas
A new unified watershed plan for the Fish Lake and Squaw Creek watersheds will be developed to recommend actions that reduce flood damage, improve water quality and improve the natural drainage system in those areas. Most of the funding for the plan will be provided through a $199,800 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and other local units of government. |
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Currently, the two areas have two separate plans, both of which are in need of updates to meet guidance under the Clean Water Act. As good planning practice, watershed plans should be updated every 10 years. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission will act as the project manager for the plan development.
Get Help
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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.
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ComEd assistance: ComEd 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.
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 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 began on Feb. 15 and will be open through May 15. Americans who are uninsured for any reason may purchase health insurance through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. Individuals who are already insured through the ACA but would like to change their current plan may do so at this time as well. Learn more and enroll at getcoveredillinois.gov.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for Small Businesses
To provide continued support to small businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration has opened the second round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. Learn more
Recently, Lake County Partners hosted a webinar that provided insights into the latest important information about the PPP program. View the presentation
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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Job Search Resources in a Rough Market, March 9 at 1 p.m.: Are you seeking a job or transitioning careers? The Job Center of Lake County can help! Hear our top tips for seeking work during a time of social distancing. Review our online tools to help you land your next job! Register here
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Your Personal Brand and Resume, March 16 at 1 p.m.: 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! Register here
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Find more workshops on the Job Center Calendar
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The Job Center of Lake County has computers you can use for your job search. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. To schedule an appointment, call 847-377-3450.
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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.
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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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Transportation News
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While we’re hopefully more than halfway through winter, February has been one of the rougher winter months. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe:
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Public Works News
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Interested to know the amount of water you used this month? Lake County Public Works customers can monitor their water usage with the water meter customer portal. You can even sign up to get a text if the usage is going above your set level. This has helped alert customers of unknown water leaks and other issues. Watch the video or read the press release to learn more. |
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Health Department News
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February is American Heart Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Caring for your heart through a healthy diet and regular physical activity is the best way to prevent heart disease. It is also important to see your primary care physician every year, so you are aware of your risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol level, and weight. |
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Sheriff News
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in 2020
The Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group (SIG) set records in 2020, seizing nearly $3 million worth of illegal drugs and 55 illegally possessed firearms, resulting in 350 felony charges.
Last June, Lake County was chosen for inclusion in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, operating under the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. This program provides federal support to law enforcement agencies in designated counties with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug production and trafficking, placing an emphasis on high-level drug trafficking organizations. Learn more
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Is Named Correctional Officer of the Year
Kudos to Lake County Corrections Officer Elvis Fejzic, who was awarded the 2020 Correctional Officer of the Year Award by the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. Sheriff John D. Idleburg nominated Officer Fejzic for the award after he saved two lives by stopping two inmate suicide attempts in 2020. Learn more |
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Forest Preserve News
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The exhibition is a collaboration between the Dunn Museum and the College of Lake County's Black Student Union. The Dunn Museum is partnering with CLC on several programs that will take place during the run of the exhibition. The first series of programs are virtual book clubs for various age groups. Tickets are required to attend the free virtual book club meetings conducted through Zoom. Learn more»
Get ready for the spring gardening season with a new Virtual Program: Native Gardeners Club–Ready, Set, Grow. Whether you’re new to native plant gardening or have a seasoned green thumb, everyone is welcome. The monthly program is designed to teach about native plants and how to use them in your home landscapes. |
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Each session includes group discussions and plenty of time for questions. The first session takes place virtually from 6:30–7:30 pm Thursday, Feb. 25. Eileen Davis and Jan Ward, environmental educators and avid native gardeners, will host the programs. Learn more and get a ticket»
Lake County Nature Blog
We often address ecosystem restoration. Have you wondered what steps go into the decision-making process to restore a natural area? "The intensity and frequency of restoration work required depends upon where along a spectrum a particular natural area starts," says Pati Vitt, manager of restoration ecology at the Lake County Forest Preserves. "Generally, the more altered the landscape and the more human activity present there, the more intervention is needed." |
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With this focus, Pati writes about the restoration work that's been underway this winter at Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. Read more on our Lake County Nature blog»
Community Events and News
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Support Lake County’s local restaurants! The Lake County Restaurant Rally, sponsored by Visit Lake County, will run from Feb. 26 to March 7. Check out the delicious cuisine and beverages created by our local restaurants, bars, distilleries, breweries and wineries. Learn more |
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ollege of Lake County Maker Faire
The College of Lake County is calling all makers to join the biggest show and tell in Lake County. YOU are a Maker if you craft, build, create, design, tinker and tweak just about anything. What do you make? Bring it to Maker Faire! Exhibits that have an interactive component for attendees are recommended. Learn more
Interested in applying to be a Maker?
Apply By March 20
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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.
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American Red Cross: Schedule an appointment at https://redcrossblood.org.
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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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