Lake County Government News
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Join Us: Public Meetings on Redrawing County Board District Boundaries
Under state law, every 10 years all Illinois counties are required to use Census data to go through a redistricting process--known as reapportionment--to ensure that each district includes approximately the same number of residents.
On Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart will host four separate virtual public meetings to discuss the reapportionment process and to gather input from residents. Each meeting will focus on a separate quadrant of the County. Learn more
The meeting for Southwest Lake County (Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Island Lake, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, West portion of Mundelein, North Barrington, Port Barrington, Round Lake Park, Tower Lakes, Wauconda, Wheeling) will be held (Thursday, May 20; 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Register here
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Residents Sought to Serve on Independent Ethics Commission
Lake County is seeking five residents to serve on the County's first Independent Ethics Commission.
The newly formed commission was approved at the April 2021 Lake County Board meeting as part of a comprehensive update to the County’s Ethics & Conduct Code. The purpose of the Commission is to review, investigate, hear, and act on ethics complaints. The commission will meet two times per year and as needed to review complaints.
Board Approves Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County
On May 11, the Lake County Board approved an ordinance that permits adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County subject to certain restrictions. Per the ordinance, different types of adult-use cannabis facilities will be allowed to operate within the general commercial and industrial zoning districts including dispensaries and various support businesses, such as transporters, cultivators and processors. In particular, infusers, processors, craft growers and transportation facilities will be allowed by right within the industrial zones, while all other adult-use cannabis businesses will require a public hearing and the issuance of a conditional use permit from the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals. No adult-use cannabis businesses will be permitted to operate in residential zoning districts. Learn more
Lake County Infrastructure Projects Being Considered for Federal Funding
Several infrastructure projects in Lake County could get a much-needed boost as part of two new federal initiatives that identify and address infrastructure funding needs at the local level. Lake County leaders have been working closely with the County’s Congressional representatives, including Sean Casten (IL-6), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), who submitted nearly $50 million in funding requests to Congress for several Lake County infrastructure projects. |
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The projects include funding for a new Lake County Emergency Operations Center, bike paths, projects to reduce flooding and more. Learn more
New County Art Exhibit Focuses on Emotional Wellness
Lake County Government, in partnership with Art Impact Project, is pleased to announce an Art in Public Places exhibit entitled "Making Impact: How Art Enhances Emotional Wellness." The exhibit will be on display through the end of June at the County Administration Building, 18 N. County St., Waukegan.
This exhibit features artwork created by adolescents and adults, including inmates at the Lake County Jail, who have benefited from Art Impact Project’s supportive group programming. Learn more
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COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available for Children Ages 12 and Up
Beginning Thursday, May 13, the Lake County Health Department is opening COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 12 to 15 years old.
Appointments may be scheduled through the Lake County AllVax portal. Households that are already registered on the portal are encouraged to add children as a household member, rather than setting up a separate account for their child. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their vaccine at a Lake County Health Department vaccination site. Questions? Call the AllVax Support Team at (847) 377-8130.
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Walk-in hours for the coming week at the Lake County Fairgrounds are as follows:
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Friday, May 14 - 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Saturday, May 15 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Monday, May 17 - 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Wednesday, May 19 - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Friday, May 21 - 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Saturday, May 22 - 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Sunday, May 23 - 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk-ins are also welcome during designated hours at many other locations. For the most current information about vaccine sites, hours and locations, please visit lakecountyii.gov/vaccine.
If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you are encouraged to get your vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccine is safe and effective, and have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines approved in the United States throughout the years.
Current COVID-19 Data
Vaccination Count: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of May 11, there have been 526,777 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 230,261 residents have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data |
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Positivity Rate: As of May 8 the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 3.2 percent. View Region 9 information
Stay Informed
Get the COVID-19 Weekly Newsletter: The Lake County Health Department sends out a weekly COVID-19 newsletter every Friday with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine, coronavirus in Lake County, how to protect yourself, and more. Stay informed--subscribe here
Get Help
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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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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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Your Personal Brand & Resumes; Tuesday, May 18 at 1 p.m. via Zoom: 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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Mastering the Virtual Interview; Tuesday, May 25 at 1 p.m. via Zoom: 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! Register here
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Find more workshops on the Job Center Calendar
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Onsite Help: The Job Center 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.
Find Help With Rent, Food, Insurance and More
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Rental Assistance: Lake County’s new program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
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Food for Families in Need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Find food
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Health Insurance: Anyone who needs health insurance may enroll through May 15, 2021 during the special open enrollment period through the Affordable Care Act. Depending on income, some people may qualify for subsidies to help reduce monthly premiums and other costs. Learn how to apply
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Mental Health Support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
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Transportation News
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2021 Construction Projects Will Ease Traffic and Reduce Emissions
Construction projects that will be undertaken by the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) this year will improve traffic congestion, increase safety, and reduce carbon emissions.
The 30 projects, involving an infrastructure investment of $109 million, feature road widenings, a new roundabout, bike path connections, resurfacings and adaptive signal controls and more. Learn more
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Stearns School Road Update
Last week, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) began construction on the emergency replacement of the failed culvert on Stearns School Road between Hutchins Road and Hunt Club Road. The road is expected to safely reopen to traffic in three to four weeks, weather permitting. Typically, the design, fabrication and construction would take a number of months to complete, but Lake County is working to accelerate the schedule through a two-staged approach: |
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Stage 1: Replacement of the failed culvert and pavement. The road is expected to safely reopen to traffic in three to four weeks, weather permitting.
Stage 2: Design and permitting for a new single span bridge. This phase is expected to take between 12 to 16 months to complete, with construction beginning in 2022.
Learn more
Virtual Public Hearing May 25: Deerfield Road Corridor
The Lake County Division of Transportation is conducting a Public Hearing on May 25 at 4 p.m. to present and seek input on the final Deerfield Road project Environmental Assessment and preferred alternative. The preferred alternative addresses capacity, safety, drainage and non-motorized travel deficiencies, and accommodates future travel demand on Deerfield Road from Milwaukee Ave. to Saunders/Riverwoods Road. Interested residents are invited to attend the virtual public hearing and can register at deerfieldroadcorridor.com |
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Health Department News
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
The pandemic has brought challenges that may lead to increased stress and anxiety. All residents, young and old, are encouraged to take some time to check in with their mental health this month and with those they love. |
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Young people in particular have been under increased stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in learning environments, fewer ways to see friends, and more have led many children to feel increased anxiety and depression. If your child is struggling with their mental health, know that help is available. Check out the video our Child and Behavioral Services made about the importance of children’s mental health.
Register for a Mental Health First Aid Class
Mental Health First Aid is a free course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The Lake County Health Department’s Mental Health First Aid initiative is offering classes virtually in May. This includes a two-hour self-paced course, followed by four hours of instructor-led training delivered virtually. Learn more and register |
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Treasurer's Office News |
Understanding your tax bill
Want to learn about your real estate tax bill? Did it go up or down from last year? In this handy video, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and Lake County Board Member John Wasik go over how to read each section of your tax bill and what it represents.
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County Clerk's Office News |
New Lake County Clerk’s Institute Offers Classes About Elections
The Lake County Clerk’s Office invites interested members of the public to register for classes in the newly created Lake County Clerk’s Institute. The first class, Introduction to Elections, will begin the week of June 14 and meet once a week for three weeks. |
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The class is available both online and in person (with social distancing and masks required). The class will give an overview of election history and discuss the operations performed by the Lake County Clerk’s Office before, during and after an election. The class will be led by Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor and staff from the Clerk’s elections department. Learn more and register
Public Works News
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Summer Water Restrictions Begin May 15 for Lake County Public Works Customers
From May 15 to Sept. 15 each year, County ordinance prohibits the use of water for outside and landscaping purposes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. In addition, outside water use is restricted to certain days of the week. Even numbered addresses can use outside water on even numbered days, and odd numbered addresses on odd days. Typically, as we move into the later parts of summer, we have much hotter and drier conditions, which may lead to additional water-use restrictions. |
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SWALCO News
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SWALCO Chosen to Showcase Compost Project at USDA Virtual Fair
SWALCO received a USDA grant for a pilot community compost project. Activities include conducting a compost-to-farmland demonstration study, engaging community gardeners through education and outreach, and reducing and diverting food waste from landfills. Food is the single largest material in our US landfills, and 40 percent of all food produced for consumption goes uneaten. Learn more
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Sheriff's Office News |
Meet Our Newest K9 Deputy
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is excited to introduce Canine Danno! Canine Danno, a 20-month-old male German Shepherd, is the newest Lake County Sheriff’s Office recruit.
Canine Danno met his human partner, Deputy Andrew Martini on April 26. The two will now undergo two months of intense training, including canine psychology, obedience, agility, tracking, scent detection and more. Following the initial training, Canine Danno will be officially sworn-in as a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News |
Bond Rating Helps Lower Tax Bills
We have been awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. Of the 250 rated recreation districts nationwide, the Lake County Forest Preserves is one of only a handful rated AAA.
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The importance of the AAA rating was highlighted on April 7, when the Forest Preserves sold a $58.8 million series of bonds to refinance $64.8 million of its outstanding bond issues. The sale resulted in about $11.2 million in total savings in tax levies through 2034. Over the past seven years, refinancing these bonds has saved taxpayers about $25 million with the inclusion of this issue. Learn more»
Breaking Barriers Exhibit Ending Soon
There is limited time left to explore the “Breaking Barriers: Women in the Military” exhibit that runs through June 13 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. For centuries, women have helped to defend the nation in times of war and conflict. In this tribute to those who served, the Museum shares Lake County stories and explores women’s roles as nurses, auxiliary personnel, enlistees, and officers in the U.S. military.
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The exhibit shows the evolution of roles women have had over time, at first on the frontlines alongside the military, then integrated into the military operations, and finally receiving equal military occupations, rank and pay, benefits, and recognition as veterans. Plan your visit. Learn more»
Trivia Trails at Rollins Savanna
If you are looking to get out into the preserves, a popular self-guided program, "Trivia Trails at Rollins Savanna" runs every day in May. Signs with trivia questions ranging from history, natural resources and site-specific information will be placed along a designated trail at the preserve in Grayslake.
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The answers are posted in the preserve after the final trivia sign and online at LCFPD.org/resources. "You may be walking the trails anyway, so why not learn a little bit while you're there," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "Or perhaps this will be a new trail for you. Your forest preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset.” Learn more»
Community Events & News
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Lake County Restaurant Week May 14 to 23
It's Ten Days to Savor: Discover delectable dining all across Lake County. Lake County Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine or enjoy old favorites. Each participating restaurant will be offering either a pre-fixe menu or an exclusive restaurant week dining offer. This 10-day event featuring over 75 restaurants only happens once a year, so make your reservations early. Learn more |
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Free Leadership Development Program for High School and College Students
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) invites high school and college students to a free leadership development program to learn about the issues that shape our region and gain an interest in urban planning. The Future Leaders in Planning program will be held virtually in July. Learn more
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United Way of Lake County Recognized for its Work Supporting Early School Success in Waukegan
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced that it has named Waukegan, Illinois as a 2021 Bright Spot Community for United Way of Lake County’s responses to the COVID-19 crisis last year. Waukegan is the only community in Illinois to be recognized. 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 currently being held remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 and agenda information, 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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County Board Meeting, May 11
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Reapportionment Committee, May 7
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Financial & Administrative Committee, May 6
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Energy & Environment Committee, May 5
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Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee, May 5
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Legislative Committee, May 4
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Health & Community Services Committee, May 4
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Law & Judicial Committee, May 4
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Financial & Administrative Committee, April 29
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