August 26, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you and family well and enjoying the last rhythmic cantatas of cicadas this summer.
As much as I wish we could get back to normal, I have to report that our county health department states we are in a "high transmission" mode for COVID. Long story short: The virulent Delta Variant of the virus is surging and you need to be careful.
What does that mean? COVID infection rates are climbing again. We're not as bad as the Gulf Coast, where ICUs are full beyond capacity, but more people are getting sick locally.
According to our health department's data hub, there were more than 130 new cases of reported COVID cases recently, versus less than 10 in late June. For the 60030 zip code, for example, cases have increased nearly 50% in the past two weeks.
We're following the most recent advice from the CDC regarding this surge: "Individuals should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission regardless of vaccination status...and universal masking regardless of vaccination status for all individuals in K-12 schools."
The best protection against COVID is being fully vaccinated. While no shot affords 100% immunity, most vaccines will keep you out of the hospital. If you need a shot, you can get one nearly everywhere, including all of our county health clinics and pop-up vaccination events. And those who are immunocompromised may qualify for a booster. Find a vaccine location.
Hike Lake County Opens
As of last week, the Hike Lake County Challenge is on again! If you hike the equivalent of seven Forest Preserve trails between now and Nov. 30, you'll earn a free hiking stick shield, zipper pull or dog medallion.
My faithful trail buddy Brogan and I have already hit two trails, and he wants to walk all of them! Our first hike was Rollins Savanna, but you'll need to start at the Drury Lane entrance. This short hike is the most beautiful part of the Savanna, featuring one hill, Mill Creek, open prairie, oak woodlands and several wetlands. |
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Beer Festival: Suds for Students!
And one last splash of summer fun: The Grayslake Craft Beer Festival is on for Sept. 18 in downtown Grayslake from noon to 5 p.m. Note: If you bought tickets for last year, they are good this year. There's more information here.
For the safety of all, proof of COVID vaccination is required. If you haven't gotten a shot, you'll be asked to wear a mask.
All net proceeds go to scholarships for local students. In past years, students selected by the Grayslake Exchange Club and Chamber of Commerce have received $50,000 in grants. I've worked the event in the past and marvel at the music, food and great beers available. It's one of the largest events of its kind in Lake County. (I was proud to be a beer server at our recent successful Grayslake Days festival along with my friends at the Exchange and Lion's Clubs, where I spoke earlier in the month).
Assessment Appeals
If you feel your assessment is too high, you have until Sept. 7 for Avon Township to file an appeal with our County Board of Review. You may not get a reduction in the valuation of your home and property, but I can tell you the process is simple because you can do it online.
Want to know more? Watch this helpful video.
Highway News in Hainesville
The Lake County Division of Transportation Department (LCDOT) is studying ways of improving Hainesville Road, and they want to hear from you. We've received state funds to improve the corridor from Washington Street to Rollins Road. This is what we're working on:
"LCDOT is seeking to rehabilitate the road and make safety and operational improvements to the corridor, such as adding turn lanes. A component of this study will investigate possible non-motorized travel accommodations along Hainesville Road."
"Planning has just begun for this project and no final considerations are being made right now. The public is encouraged to provide their input on existing conditions and what the community hopes the project can improve upon."
Do you have some ideas? You can submit them.
As always, it's my honor and pleasure to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. I'm also available to address local groups.
Be well.
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Living Room Wellness Center Expands Support Center Operations
The Living Room Wellness Center has expanded its operations and is now open seven days a week all year for anyone in Lake County experiencing increased mental health symptoms or near-crisis due to emotional distress. The center offers free crisis intervention, peer counseling, person-centered safety and crisis planning, as well as basic needs like healthy food, clean showers, and transportation. |
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Law enforcement will now have the option of bringing people to the Living Room Wellness Center for treatment and care rather than to jail. People in need of care will have the opportunity to have access to safe and professional services centered toward their needs, versus going to jail. Learn more
Lake County Board Appoints Members to New Independent Ethics Commission
The Lake County Board appointed five members to serve on Lake County’s first Independent Ethics Commission. The members appointed to the Ethics Commission are Deborah Balma, Patrick “Sean” Ginty, Andrea Hess, Helen Redding and Harold Wallin. Members will serve staggered first terms with all subsequent terms being three years.
The newly formed commission is part of a comprehensive update to the County’s Ethics and Conduct Code. Commission members will be tasked to review, investigate, hear, and act on ethics complaints and will meet two times per year and as needed to review complaints. Learn more
Virtual Public Meeting: Clean Air Regulations in Unincorporated Lake County
The public is invited to attend the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1. One of the topics on the agenda will be a discussion on draft clean air regulations for unincorporated Lake County. Staff will also provide an update on potential consolidated waste hauling services at this meeting. The meeting is a follow-up to the committee discussion that occurred on Aug. 4. No final action will be taken at the Sept. 1 meeting. Register to attend the Sept. 1 meeting. |
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Those who attend the meeting virtually will have an option to provide public comment. The virtual meeting also will be accessible to individuals with lack of internet access. The public may also view the live virtual meeting on Sept. 1 at the 10th Floor of the County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan.
For more information about open burning and landscape waste disposal in unincorporated Lake County, visit lakecountyil.gov/openburninginput.
Junior High and High School Females are Invited to Girl-Wise Conference
Junior high and high school females are invited to attend the annual Girl-Wise Conference, an opportunity to attend workshops that promote creativity, healthy bodies, healthy minds, and taking charge of their lives.
This year's Girl-Wise Conference will be held virtually and in person. The virtual event will begin Sept. 13 to 17, and the in-person event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center. Masks will be required for entrance to the event. Pre-registration is required. Register here.
Veterans Sought for Veteran’s History Project
Veterans who served in any capacity from World War II to the present as well as people who worked as civilian defense workers supporting war efforts, are invited to register to participate in the Veteran’s History Project on Nov. 11 at the Lake County Courthouse. |
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Volunteers from the Lake County legal community will interview participates about their wartime experiences, which will be transcribed by licensed court reporters and archived at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The mission of the Veteran’s History Project is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations and researchers may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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College of Lake County Offers Free Vaccination Clinic
The College of Lake County is partnering with Lake County Health Department to provide a free vaccination clinic open to the community from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today as well as Sept. 23 and Oct. 21 at the Grayslake campus. Learn more
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. 211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff and interprets more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Funds Available for Small Businesses Through Back to Business Grant Program
The $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The B2B grant program builds on the success of last year's Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – an equity focused business relief program, which directed $290 million to 9,000 businesses in 98 communities across Illinois. B2B grants of $5,000 to $150,000 can cover operational losses, staff and more. Learn about and apply for the program.
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
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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. Find food
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Help for Veterans: The 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.
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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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Mental Health First Aid Training: The Lake County Health Department offers free Mental Health First Aid training classes. Register here
Employment Resources
The 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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Maximize Job Search Resources & Virtual Hiring Event, 1 p.m. Aug. 26: Learn tips and tools for job seeking in a pandemic and what to know ahead of virtual job expos. Register to join the Zoom event.
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Thriving on a Tight Budget, 1 p.m. Aug. 31: Maximize your current income by learning about the new child tax credit, rental and energy assistance and more. Register to join Zoom event.
View the full Job Center calendar
Veterans News
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Services for Veterans in Crisis
The current events in Afghanistan can have an emotional toll on veterans who served or continue to serve in that region. Please know that there are resources available for any Afghan veteran and their families who may be experiencing a crisis:
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National Veterans Crisis Line: The crisis hotline is available to all veterans 24/7 at 800-273-8255. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource. A trained responder will answer your call.
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Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County: The VAC supports all Lake County veterans and their families. Call 847-377-3344 to speak with a member of the team. This is a tough time for everyone, and the VAC is here to talk with all veterans and their families over the phone or in person.
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Incarcerated Veterans Can Now Virtually Connect with the VA
Incarcerated veterans at the Lake County Jail will now have an opportunity to speak to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) social workers to help gain information and additional opportunities to give them a head start as they reenter society.
Following an agreement between the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Captain James Lovell Federal Healthcare Center (FHCC), the FHCC provided the Lake County Jail an iPad that will allow veterans the opportunity to be connected face-to-face to social workers and other crucial personnel at the VA. Learn more
Governor Passes Legislation to Assist Veterans
New legislation was signed into law that will honor and assist veterans, among these an amendment expanding the state definition of honorable discharge to include veterans who were discharged due to sexuality or gender identity. This allows LGBTQ+ individuals who received other than honorable discharges on paper due to their sexual orientation, preference or gender be considered honorably discharged and able to receive Illinois veteran services. Learn more
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Health News
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First Human Case of West Nile virus Reported in Lake County
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is reporting the first human case of West Nile virus in Lake County for 2021. A Deerfield resident in his 70s became ill in late-July. |
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To date, 85 pools or batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2021. Remember to follow the 4 Ds of Defense to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes. Learn more
Environmental News
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Learn the Latest Scoop on Food Scraps, Waste and Composting
Last year, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) was awarded the Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot project grant from the USDA. The primary goal of the grant is to assist local government with projects that develop a stronger, more vibrant circular economy for managing food scraps and other organic material. |
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SWALCO and collaborators have reached the halfway mark of this two-year project with work being done on several levels. The project is multi-tiered and is focusing on a compost to farmland/garden, demonstration studies, development of educational programs, workshops, and creation of a stronger community gardening network and market development for final compost product, and enhanced education efforts to increase participation rates for food scrap collection programs in the commercial and residential sectors.
Learn about Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project Learn more about SWALCO residential food scrap composting program
Forest Preserve News
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Hike Lake County Begins
Grab your walking shoes and head to the trails to participate in the Hike Lake County program while enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. Medical research shows that being outdoors in nature has many wellness benefits. Hike Lake County provides a way to get a dose of wellness while walking in a beautiful preserve. |
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Complete seven of 12 designated walks before Nov. 30 and you'll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick, a dog tag for furry companions, or a zipper pull. Learn more »
Farm Stand Offers Fresh Produce
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Each year, fresh organic produce is grown and sold by high school students employed at a 1.25-acre sustainable farm located within Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago. Herbs, honey, flowers, fresh vegetables and fruit are available for purchase weekly at discount prices. The farm stand is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 14.
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It's located at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Road, across the street from the farm. As the farm stand operates this summer, there may be safety protocols in place due to COVID-19 concerns. Before heading out, check LCFPD.org/produce for updates.
The Green Youth Farm program is a partnership between the Lake County Forest Preserves, its charitable partner the Preservation Foundation, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. The program provides teens with a paid summer job working on an urban farm. The Green Youth Farm is made possible by donors from across the region. Learn how you can help support a student crew member. A gift of any amount helps grow stronger students. Visit www.LCFPD.org/produce for details.
Fox River Marina Storage
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If you enjoy paddling on the Fox River but grow tired of tying down and transporting your vessel every time, there is a solution.
You can store your kayak, canoe or paddle board at Fox River Marina in Port Barrington. Enjoy the convenience of onsite, indoor storage and unlimited launch privileges. Reserve storage online: www.LCFPD.org/fox-river-marina.
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Community Events and News
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Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival is Coming August 28
Bring the family for the Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at Central Park. Enjoy the hot air balloons as well as family activities, live music and old timey baseball. Learn more
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Celebrate National Dog Day by Visiting County Dog Parks
Did you know today is National Dog Day. Let’s embrace our little buddy that gives us companionship, safety and is a piece of our family. What better way to treat our four-legged family members by taking them to the dog park to play. Not sure where to go? Check out Visit Lake County’s list of dog parks across the 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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