view as a webpage  •   translate

May 13, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

Today is another breakthrough day for people who have received their vaccine. New CDC guidance today tells us that if we are fully vaccinated, we can be in many settings without our masks. Progress is being made and we want to highly encourage anyone who has yet to get their vaccine to go today and get your shot. All of our health department facilities have appointments for children and adults 12 years old and up. There are designated hours for walk-ins, where no appointments are necessary. See below for more information. Many pharmacies also have a plethora of appointments.

If you have any hesitancy you can speak to people at our health department about the safety of the vaccine. You can still call our hotline with questions or to make appointments at 847-377-8130. 

It is wonderful to be out and seeing more of our neighbors and community supporting our local businesses and restaurants. I am very excited about Chocolate Fest this weekend in Long Grove. You need to purchase tickets this year to attend. I ask all of you to continue supporting the many businesses that are opening up in Long Grove’s downtown. It is again becoming a fun and lively destination for Lake County. 

I also want to remind everyone about the BG Pride Drive on June 6 from noon to 3 pm, sponsored by The Pinta Pride Project. Vernon Township will be one of the destinations along the ride route. You can stop at the township and enjoy snow cones and a live band. The route, just like last year, will have wonderful displays supporting our LBGTQ+ community. Learn more on their website.

Stay safe and get vaccinated!!

Best,

Marah Altenberg
Lake County Board District 20
Marah Altenberg Webpage
Subscribe to My Newsletter

Lake County Government News

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

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

• Southeast Lake County: Wednesday, May 19; 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Register here 
  (Bannockburn, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Green Oaks, Indian Creek, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, East portion of Mundelein, Vernon Hills) 
• Southwest Lake County: Thursday, May 20; 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Register here 
  (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) 

Residents Sought to Serve on Independent Ethics Commission 

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.

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

COVID-19 Update

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.

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 12, there have been 529,913 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 232,295 residents have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data

Stay Informed

Get Help

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.

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:

Find Help With Rent, Food, Insurance and More

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  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  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  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

Transportation News

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

Health Department News

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.

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

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.  Additionally, if you would like Treasurer Kim to present "understanding your tax bill" at your local subdivision, homeowners association or assembly meeting, schedule a time and date with the Treasurer's Office.

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.

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

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.

SWALCO News

SWALCO Chosen to Showcase Compost Project at USDA Virtual Fair 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has been selected to showcase its Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project at the first-ever USDA Virtual Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair on May 26.

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 

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings

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.

• County Board Meeting, May 11 
• Reapportionment Committee, May 7 
• Financial & Administrative Committee, May 6 
• Energy & Environment Committee, May 5 
• Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee, May 5 
• Legislative Committee, May 4 
• Health & Community Services Committee, May 4 
• Law & Judicial Committee, May 4 
• Financial & Administrative Committee, April 29 

Quick Links

 Connect with Lake County
Open Gov/Board Meeting Agendas
Transportation
Elections/Voting
Job Center of Lake County
Lake County Forest Preserves
Visit Lake County
Lake County Partners