August 5, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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I want to start off by sharing some very exciting news for our Long Grove neighbors. After a year and a half of lengthy negotiations and partnership, the Lake County Forest Preserves, Lake County Division of Transportation and the Village of Long Grove have come to an agreement that will plant new trees to reestablish a beautiful green screen in Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve that will help shield the view of Lake Cook Road.
Some of the vegetation was removed in order to develop the LCDOT wetland mitigation bank and trail connections that were being made to benefit Long Grove residents. This partnership goes to show that meaningful things can be accomplished when parties are able to compromise and work together for the betterment of the community.
First, I want to send a big thank you to Country Club Estates residents who contributed monetarily to this process. They partnered with the Village of Long Grove to help make this process a reality. Thanks very much to our wonderful county Forest Preserve and Department of Transportation staff for working hard on this process and also contributing funds to accomplish this project. A big thank you also goes out to Mayor Bill Jacob who spent countless hours working on the many details that helped this agreement come to fruition. The new trees are expected to be planted in the spring of 2022.
In other news, I hope everyone is taking advantage of our beautiful forest preserves across the county. I have had the pleasure of visiting several this summer, and they are each unique and beautiful. I just took a tour of the lovely green acreage that had been set aside to extend Route 53. |
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Now that this project decidedly will not be built, a task force is being put together to make decisions on how to use this land for green belts in our area, for schools and parks and for many other positive environmental uses that can only benefit the beautiful spaces we have at our disposal.
Lastly, I hope that anyone who has not been vaccinated will reconsider to protect their own health and that of their family and neighbors in their community. Increasing our vaccination numbers is the way we can protect our county from additional Covid-19 issues and help our hospitals to remain free to take care of patients with other health issues.
Anyone desiring a vaccine can go to Walgreens, CVS and Mariano's to get their shot. If you need a Covid-19 test you can also go to your Walgreens or CVS and get a free drive-through test that will have results within 48 hours. Anyone with questions regarding Covid-19 or the Delta variant can call the county hotline at 847-377-8130.
Please stay healthy and safe.
Lake County Government News
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Provide Input: Open Burning and Landscape Waste Disposal in Unincorporated Lake County
Lake County seeks further feedback through a new input form as Lake County continues to evaluate open burning and viable landscape disposal options in unincorporated Lake County. Visit Lake County's interactive website to learn more about the issue and submit your input.
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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.
New Weather Notifications to Better Convey Severity of Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms can be life-threatening, but not all severe storms are the same. The National Weather Service (NWS) will better convey the severity and potential impacts of severe thunderstorms by adding a “damage threat” tag to severe thunderstorm warnings. The categories, in order of highest to lowest damage threat, are destructive, considerable, and base. Learn more.
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Lake County Continues Art in Public Places Exhibit Throughout Summer
Lake County Government announced the newest Art in Public Places exhibit, "Mixed Media Invitational: Healing and Material Processes” can be viewed now through Sept. 10 in the main lobby of the Lake County Administration Building, 18 N. County St., Waukegan. Learn more
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Property Assessment News
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Property Assessment Notices are Being Mailed
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Assessment notices have been sent out for Ela and Vernon townships. Notices will continue to be mailed to other townships in Lake County through July and August.
What is A Property Assessment?
It may help to think of the property tax process like a pie. Taxing bodies, including school districts, villages and the county (and many other taxing districts) determine how much they need to collect in taxes.
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That 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.
Understand Your Property Assessment
Get free, one-on-one assistance to evaluate your assessment and learn about a homestead exemption, which can potentially provide tax relief. Taxpayer advocates are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chief County Assessment Office, 18 N. County St., 7th Floor, Waukegan.
Filing an Appeal Using our Online System
Property owners that decide to appeal must do so electronically. An appeal can be done in a few minutes using the new SmartFile E-Filing Portal. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Watch this video to learn more about the process to file an appeal online.
Learn More
The Chief County Assessment Office has created a web page with appeal filing deadlines for each township, and helpful information and resources for the 2021 assessment notice season. Visit assessor.lakecountyil.gov/notices.
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Health Department Urges COVID-19 Precautions as COVID-19 Cases Increase
The Lake County Health Department is urging the public to take precautions to slow the resurgence of COVID-19 as cases steadily increase in Lake County over the past month. The majority of cases nationwide have been in unvaccinated individuals.
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More than 739,000 doses have been administered to Lake County residents, and over 51 percent are fully vaccinated. Also, 85 percent of Lake County residents ages 65 and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 80 percent are fully vaccinated. Learn more
Water Street Vaccination Site Transitions to Offer Only Walk-in Service
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.
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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.
COVID-19 Helpful Links
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. Visit 211lakecounty.org for information. |
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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.
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You must request this assistance from your mortgage servicer by Sept. 30, 2021. Learn more
Other Resources for Help
Many individuals and businesses continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic. Here are some additional resources:
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Rental Assistance: Lake County’s 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: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Some upcoming locations include Waukegan, Highwood, Grayslake, Fox Lake and Ingleside. Find food
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Help for Veterans: The Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Call them at 847-377-3344.
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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
Employment Resources
The economy is opening back up, and demand for workers is increasing. The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. Check out these Job Center events and resources: |
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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.
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IT Career Lab Information Session: 10 a.m. Aug. 5: 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.
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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.
State's Attorney's Office News
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State Funds to Address Two Programs that Address Juvenile Justice
A 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.
A separate $55,700 state Juvenile Justice grant will help to revive and strengthen the Lake County Juvenile Justice Council. The council will provide a forum for agencies and departments to address issues surrounding juvenile delinquency and provide outreach to the community and youth. Learn more
Forest Preserve News
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Two National Awards Earned
The 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.
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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 Origami
Grab 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.
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Net-Zero Building Initiatives
As 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.
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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
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It’s Summer! Time To Visit the Farmers Markets
Shop 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.
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Visit Lake County’s Architectural Gems
Lake 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.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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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. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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