Property assessment appeal, Proposed countywide paratransit system, Farmers markets, and More
Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 07/29/2021 03:27 PM CDT
Provide Input: Open Burning and Landscape Waste Disposal in Unincorporated Lake County
The input form is intended to gather information from Lake County residents. No decisions have been made at this time regarding open burning policies or waste hauling services. Attend Aug. 4 Meeting to Learn About Proposed Countywide Paratransit SystemThe Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is excited to introduce a proposed new countywide coordinated paratransit system at an informational public meeting at 4 p.m. Aug. 4. The new service aims to provide borderless countywide paratransit service, meaning users can get transportation to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments, and more. New Investment Strategies Help Recapture Lost COVID-19 Revenue The Lake County Treasurer’s Office announced that in Fiscal Year 2020 they earned $9.7 million in investment income across all funds for Lake County. By using improved investment strategies over the past two years, the Treasurer's Office was able to recapture lost COVID-19 revenue in Fiscal Year 2020. Learn more State Funds to Address Two Programs that Address Juvenile JusticeA pioneering new treatment program will be created and a defunct juvenile justice leadership council will be revived after the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office recently secured two state grants totaling more than $100,000. In a first for the area, a $50,500 Illinois Juvenile Justice Grant will help create a new “Step Up” program to aggressively break the cycle of domestic violence. Juveniles who complete the 21-week program will have the chance to have charges expunged from their records permanently, removing a potential future barrier to employment and other achievements. Sheriff’s Deputies Complete Crisis Intervention Certification Program Sheriff John D. Idleburg is pleased to announce the milestone of 99% of Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies successfully completing the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification training program. Those trained as CIT deputies during the week-long certification program received specialized training to help them evaluate various mental health crisis incidents stemming from a variety of mental health conditions including: schizophrenia, substance abuse related disorders, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD. After conducting an initial assessment, sheriff’s deputies then utilize skills they learned to effectively communicate and use de-escalation techniques with those experiencing a crisis. Learn more Lake County Continues Art in Public Places Exhibit Throughout Summer
Lake County Wastewater Treatment Plant Named Best in Illinois
Lake County Recognized for Reducing Barriers to Solar Energy
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Property Assessment Notices Are Being MailedThat determines the size of the pie, and the property assessment determines how the pie is cut up. The assessment process ensures property taxes are fairly distributed. Elected township assessors are primarily responsible for appraising properties and determining a property’s value, which ultimately determines the portion of the total tax burden (or piece of the pie). If you have questions or concerns regarding the assessed value of your property, you should discuss this with your local township assessor’s office.
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Health Department Urges COVID-19 Precautions as COVID-19 Cases Increase
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![]() The Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Site at 102 W. Water Street in Waukegan has transitioned to walk-in service and no longer serves as a drive-through site. The Water Street site operates from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The Water Street site provides all three vaccines authorized in the United States, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson, depending on the current supply available. Walk in and register at the Water Street location, make an appointment through the Lake County AllVax Portal or call 847-377-8130. |
Make Sure You’re Vaccinated for a Chance to Win $1 Million
![]() As an Illinois resident, if you’ve been vaccinated or are about to get vaccinated, you’re automatically entered in for a chance to win a prize in Illinois' $10 million vaccine sweepstakes. The first drawing occurred on Thursday, July 8 and concludes on Monday, Aug. 16. Vaccinated adults are entered into a $7 million cash prize pool. Three $1 million jackpots and 40 $100,000 cash prizes are up for grabs. Vaccinated youth ages 12 to 17 are entered into a $3 million scholarship pool. Twenty $150,000 scholarship awards are being offered. |
Get Trained in Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The Health Department is offering Mental Health First Aid classes virtually. This new virtual class is a two-hour self-paced course, followed by four hours of virtual instructor-led training. The new curricula includes expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care. Learn More
COVID-19 Helpful Links |
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![]() Get Help |
![]() Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You NeedIf 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. Visit 211lakecounty.org for information. |
COVID-19 Mortgage Payment Relief for FHA-Insured Mortgages
![]() Are you struggling to keep up with mortgage payments on your FHA-insured mortgage because of COVID-19? Take action to keep your home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a program that allows homeowners to work with their mortgage servicer to request forbearance (mortgage payment relief) to pause or reduce monthly mortgage payments. |
You must request this assistance from your mortgage servicer by Sept. 30, 2021. Learn more
![]() Other Resources for HelpMany individuals and businesses continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic. Here are some additional resources:
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Employment ResourcesThe economy is opening back up, and demand for workers is increasing. The Job Center of Lake County is your career solution! Their mission is to cultivate and connect Lake County employers and workers to fuel economic growth and well-being in Lake County. Check out these Job Center events: |
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- IT Career Lab Information Session: 10 a.m. July 29: The IT Career Lab can help you find your tech career. Attend this session to learn more about this hands-on training program (and how to receive a free laptop computer). Register today.
- Resume Assistance: 1 p.m. Aug. 4: Use the Job Center’s computers to create a new resume or bring an electronic copy of your resume to edit. Seating limited. Registration is required. Call 847-377-3450 to reserve a seat.
- Check Get Hired: The State of Illinois launched Get Hired Illinois – a web portal designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state.

![]() Forest Preserve News |
Focus on Net-Zero Buildings
![]() As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, officials at the Lake County Forest Preserves altered their Capital Improvement Plan to prioritize and accelerate current net-zero building goals and lead the way for others. A net-zero building, also referred to as a zero-energy building, produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. These buildings use cost-effective measures to reduce energy usage. At the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, planners at the Lake County Forest Preserves are currently working with design architects to replace aging classroom cabins with a new net-zero environmental education center. A similar style of building for grounds maintenance at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda is in the design phase. Learn more» |
![]() Two National Awards EarnedThe Lake County Forest Preserves and two of its volunteers have earned national awards. The National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) comprises 122 park and special recreation districts from across the country, of which the Lake County Forest Preserves is a member organization. The Association issued the awards. Lake Villa residents Joyce and George Proper were awarded the Outstanding Volunteer award. The couple has volunteered for decades and collectively donated more than 10,000 hours in the last 15 years alone. The Growing Through Change project at Grant Woods Forest Preserve earned the Conservation Award. The Lake County Forest Preserves has launched a research project to restore 180 acres of former farmland within the preserve using a climate-adapted, regionally sourced native seed mix. Learn more» |
![]() Prairie OrigamiGrab a cup of tea and unwind with the relaxing art of origami during a “Prairie Origami” program from 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9 at Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Participants will learn about prairie ecology and create prairie inhabitants step-by-step using only paper and scissors. The cost is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. Tickets are required. |
![]() Net-Zero Building InitiativesAs stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, Lake County Forest Preserve leaders altered their Capital Improvement Plan to prioritize and accelerate current net-zero building goals and lead the way for others. A net-zero building, also referred to as a zero-energy building, produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. These buildings use cost-effective measures to reduce energy usage. At the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, planners are working with design architects to replace aging classroom cabins with a new net-zero environmental education center. A similar style of building for grounds maintenance at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda is in the design phase. Learn more» |

![]() Community Events and News |
![]() It’s Summer! Time To Visit the Farmers MarketsShop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses and gathering with neighbors, friends and family. Check out Lake County’s farmers markets. |
![]() Visit Lake County’s Architectural GemsLake County is home to some of the quintessential facilities that are must-view buildings. Some are ageless wonders, some are beautiful and gaudy to look at and some are eccentric out-of-place structures that define Lake County. Check out Visit Lake County’s guide to 15 architectural gems across Lake County. |

![]() Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings |
All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on 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 also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda. |
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Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website.