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Dear Neighbors |
I hope this finds you, friends, neighbors and families well.
Although it seemed at the start of summer we were corralling the COVID pandemic, the bug had other ideas with its Delta Variant. The CDC has told our county health department that we are now in "high transmission" mode. That means the virus can be easily transmitted between people and is especially dangerous for unvaccinated folks. Learn more.
Fortunately, it's still really easy to get a vaccine and/or a test. Our county health clinics all offer the shots. You can get them practically anywhere there's a pharmacy. Find a vaccine.
Why get the shot if you haven't already got one? I can offer a personal story. A lifelong family friend died from COVID after his wife contracted it last year. A veteran, he was a good, decent man who loved fishing, camping, boating and hunting. He could fix anything and always had a word of encouragement. There was no question how much he loved his family and community; he was everything good about the neighborhood I grew up in -- and this country. I thought he was going to live to be 100. He was taken much too soon.
If you know someone who is resisting a shot, tell them to do it for you, loved ones and friends. We've already lost 1,000 neighbors in Lake County to this vicious virus. As we mask up again, keep in mind that we can beat this bug, but everyone possible needs to join the fight. Get a shot if you need one. There's no excuse not to: This is about preserving life, family and community, nothing else.
Forest Preserve News
Rollins Savanna continues to dazzle. I'm out on the Millennium Trail about once a week. Lately there's a scintillating display of yellow blooms from rosin weed, compass and cup plants. Rattlesnake masters are also showing their silver flowers. I even saw a rare swamp rose hibiscus alongside Mill Creek (pictured -- thanks for the identification to Pati Vitt, our ace ecologist). |
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New to Rollins is a mini-picnic area in the shade just north of the washrooms on Washington Street (thanks to Mike Tully and his amazing team). And starting this Sunday, Rollins will be one of a delightful array of trails in our annual Hike Lake County Challenge. If you hike at least seven trails between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30, you can earn a free zipper pull, walking stick shield or special dog medallion for your pooch. (Note: bicycling and horse riding don't count in this program, sorry).
Since I love these trails -- now more popular than ever -- I'm going to try to hike all of them. I know my faithful trail buddy Brogan always gets excited at walking these unique paths. There's always something new to discover and they are great for physical, mental and spiritual well being. Learn more about the Hike Lake County Challenge. |
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Transportation News
I was just named to a countywide task force that will explore the future of the Route 53 corridor. As many of you know, this cancelled highway project would have cut right through the heart of Mundelein, Grayslake and Hainesville.
After taking a tour of the corridor with local environmentalists and neighbors (thanks, friends), it was clear that we need a comprehensive, sustainable land-use plan that will protect our precious wetlands, forests and open spaces. I will be listening attentively to a broad group of interested stakeholders, so let me know what you think. We are asked by the Illinois General Assembly to come up with recommendations in about a year.
Good news for anyone traveling on Washington Street. The resurfacing project is done. Thanks for your patience!
Appeal Your Assessment
By now you've received your blue notices in the mail, which list your township's assessed value of your home and property. If you think your assessment is too high -- relative to assessed values of similar properties -- you have a month to appeal through the Lake County Board of Review.
You can easily file an assessment appeal online with our Board of Review. And if your property description is incorrect or you are not receiving the exemptions you're entitled to, you can correct that information directly with your assessor.
Keep in mind that lowering your assessment isn't guaranteed to lower your property tax bill, which is based on your equalized assessed valuation plus all of the tax rates by every taxing body that applies to your property. Most of your tax bill goes to local schools.
I was happy to host an assessment seminar Aug. 9 with Treasurer Holly Kim and Avon Assessor Chris Ditton. Watch this video recording to watch the seminar. Keep in mind that our Taxpayer Bill of Rights states that you have a right to appeal assessments and know where your tax dollars go.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you'd like me to speak to your community group, please let me know. And if you need immediate assistance with any county services (vaccines, mental health, rental, etc.), please call our 2-1-1 hotline.
Be well.
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Seeking Input on New Proposed Countywide Paratransit System
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) held an informational meeting on Aug. 4 to introduce a proposed new countywide coordinated paratransit system. This new service would provide a borderless countywide transportation system for seniors and residents with disabilities to get to work, shopping, medical appointments and more. |
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Share your feedback on the proposed new paratransit system through Aug. 18 with our interactive survey. Information gathered will assist LCDOT in the development of the final system.
Watch the Informational Meeting Recording
View Presentation Slides from Informational Meeting
Provide Input Online
Update: Open Burning and Landscape Waste Disposal in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee and Energy and Environment (E&E) Committee held a joint virtual public meeting on Aug. 4 to discuss open burning regulatory options and consolidated waste hauling services for unincorporated Lake County.
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The public provided their input, and staff presented information to evaluate open burning and viable landscape disposal options in unincorporated Lake County. No final actions were made at the meeting, which can be viewed in its entirety. The PWPT committee will meet on Sept. 1 to discuss the issue further.
This meeting will be open to the public. For more information about open burning and landscape waste disposal in unincorporated Lake County or to provide your input through an interactive survey, visit lakecountyil.gov/openburninginput.
Former Winchester House facility to be Demolished
Lake County will be demolishing the former Winchester House located at Lake County’s Libertyville campus near the intersection of Winchester Road and Milwaukee Avenue. The Lake County Board will have a discussion at a later date to determine what it will do with the cleared site.
For more than 150 years, Winchester House served as a crucial safety net for the vulnerable elderly and disabled people of Lake County. Back in 2015, the Lake County Board approved a plan to transition ownership of the skilled nursing facility to Transitional Care Management (TCM).
Following many years of work between Lake County, the Winchester House Advisory Board, TCM, Innovative Health, and the Village of Mundelein, Winchester House nursing home residents moved in 2020 to a new state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by Transitional Care of Lake County at 850 US 45, Mundelein.
Collection Fees to Be Waived During Lake County Amnesty Week
All collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on any past due criminal and traffic fines owed at the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office for payments made August 23 through 27 during Lake County Amnesty Week.
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The Circuit Clerk's Office will offer online, phone and mail options to submit payments during Amnesty Week. While individuals are encouraged to use alternative means to submit their payments, payments will be accepted at branch locations in Mundelein, Park City, Round Lake and Waukegan. Learn more
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Face Coverings Are Required in All County Government Buildings, Regardless of Vaccination Status
Face coverings are required in all Lake County government buildings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. This requirement is in alignment with the federal government and the State of Illinois, which recently began similar requirements in its government buildings.
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The public is encouraged to use the Lake County website to conduct business digitally and also can attend Board and Committee meetings virtually. Learn more about attending Lake County meetings remotely.
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline to connect you to available resources by phone, text and online, including food, rent and utility assistance, mental health services, health care and many other resources. Call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone. 211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff and interprets more than 150 other languages. For more information, visit 211lakecounty.org.
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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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Job Resource Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19: The event will be held at the Legacy Reentry Foundation, 420 W. Clayton St., Waukegan. Bring copies of your resume. Business attire is strongly encouraged. Register now
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Mastering the Virtual Job Interview 1 p.m. Aug. 24: Learn the tips to successfully interview online and land your next job! Register now.
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Check Get Hired Illinois: 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.
View the full Job Center calendar
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
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: 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. 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 847-377-3344 for information.
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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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Sheriff's Office News |
Keep Children Safe Online as School Year Starts
Student safety goes far beyond going to and from school. Many students now use computers, tablets, and other electronics to do their school work. Watch this video as Lt. Chris Covelli from the Lake County Sheriff's Office provides some tips on how you can keep your children safe online.
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Recorder of Deeds Office News |
Watch Out for Deeds Scams
The real estate market is booming. If you’ve sold or purchased a new home, take a moment to learn how this deed scam could affect you. Watch this video to learn how to protect yourself. If you have questions or need a copy of your deed, call the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office at 847-377-2575. |
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Transportation News
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Enroll Today to Adopt-A-Highway. Enrollment Runs to Aug. 31
Volunteer with friends, family or coworkers to help pick up litter and debris along Lake County highways and bike paths. Participants adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. View a map of available sections and apply to volunteer. The open enrollment period ends Aug. 31. |
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Forest Preserve News
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Trivia Trails at Pine Dunes
If you are looking to get out into the preserves, a popular self-guided program, "Trivia Trails at Pine Dunes" runs every day in August. Signs with trivia questions ranging from history, natural resources and site-specific information will be placed along the 2.2-mile yellow loop trail at the picturesque preserve in Antioch.
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We encourage you to take a picture of yourself on the trail and post it to Lake County Forest Preserves social media @LCFPD and use the hashtag, #LCFPDTriviaTrail. Learn more »
Summer Horizons Magazine Online
The summer issue of Horizons magazine is now available. The main feature looks at developing a network of connected healthy landscapes to safeguard the natural resources and places that benefit people, wildlife and the economy.
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Another story highlights Database Developer Rian Crowley and the one-of-a-kind computer application he designed and developed for use at the Lake County Forest Preserves. mECO, all about efficiency and accuracy, is used to monitor turtles, determine controlled burn locations and track plants and wildlife. Horizons is the free quarterly publication of your Lake County Forest Preserves. You can subscribe to receive a free printed copy in the mail.
Rain Garden Kit Raffle
To enter the raffle, donate any amount to the Preservation Foundation through Aug. 31. Donations can be made online at www.LCFPD.org/donate, by check to the Preservation Foundation at 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048, or by phone at 847-968-3110. New donors only. Three winners will be chosen at random and notified on Sept. 7. The rain garden kit provides a cost-effective, beautiful way to reduce stormwater runoff on your property. Each kit contains 18 plants of various species that will provide a parade of blooms for those important pollinators from late spring through late summer.
Community Events & News
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Celebrate the Second Anniversary of 211 in Lake County
Join United Way of Lake County to celebrate the second anniversary of providing 211 services for Lake County at a virtual event at 1 p.m. Sept. 23. Learn how 211 has grown to become a lifeline for people across the county seeking help meeting basic needs. |
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Hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs, and stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies and local government. Register here.
Summer’s Not Over Yet! Discover 10 Fun Things to Do in August
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 St., Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room. |
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The public can attend Lake County Committee and Board meetings: remote / virtual attendance through registration at the link on the front page of the agenda, or in-person attendance (to view the virtual meeting on the 10th Floor of the County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, Illinois. 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 the video recordings and agendas:
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