Lake County Government News  

Watch this video as Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart looks back at the progress Lake County has made to advance our strategic goals and looks ahead at the priorities for this year to provide exceptional, financially sustainable services in Lake County.

Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program 2022 will be accepted now through April 15.  Applicants will be randomly selected by a computer program. Selected applicants will be contacted for an intake. Work opportunities for participants will begin June 20, 2022 at sites throughout Lake County. The program lasts approximately six weeks. To qualify for employment, youth must be:

• Age 14 to 18 (by April 15) OR age 14 to 22 with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Attending middle school or high school
• Receiving free or reduced-price lunch OR meet low-income guidelines.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply now.

Are you prepared for floods, tornadoes, and other natural hazards? Take this online survey to help Lake County better understand the preparedness needs and risk perceptions of its residents and update the County’s All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (ANHMP).

This plan was first developed by the County and participating municipalities to identify activities and projects to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards such as tornadoes, floods and severe storms.

Lake County COVID-19 Update   

With COVID-19 positivity rates continuing to decline and the majority of eligible Illinois residents vaccinated, Governor Pritzker released an updated executive order lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. Learn more

Get Help  

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. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more 

The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. View the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.

Transportation News

New traffic signals have been activated at the intersection of Butterfield Road and Allanson Road that have flashing yellow arrows, the first in Lake County to have this feature. The activation is part of a project to install new traffic signals with flashing yellow arrows at seven intersections along the Butterfield Road corridor between IL 137 and Allanson Road.

When you approach a yellow flashing yellow arrow, motorists must first yield to oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians, then turn left with caution. Learn more

Environmental News 

The Stormwater Management Commission recently celebrated 20 years of work regulating the isolated wetlands of Lake County. Over the years, staff has reviewed nearly 500 permit applications that would have impacted 154 acres of isolated wetlands across the county, and through mitigation efforts they were able to add an additional 58 acres to our conservation efforts.

These 58 acres can have a huge impact on reducing the flood risk throughout the county as each acre of wetland is estimated to be able to hold one million gallons of flood water. Learn more

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will be adding two new canines to their canine unit, and Sheriff John D. Idleburg is asking for Lake County’s youth to help name our two newest canine partners.  Lake County youth currently in kindergarten through senior year of high school are invited to participate.

The Sheriff’s Canines have a proven track record of success, locating hundreds of missing people, fleeing suspects, numerous discarded firearms or other evidence, and hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs. Learn more

Nineteenth Judicial Circuit News 

The Kids’ Korner, which is located on the first floor of the Lake County courthouse, has reopened to provide a safe, fun waiting area for children whose parents or guardians are conducting court business. To help celebrate, the Kids' Korner is participating all this month in Read Across America to celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday and build excitement for reading.

Forest Preserves News

Looking to spend the summer outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting? The Lake County Forest Preserves is in the process of hiring an array of temporary positions. "We offer a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities with openings available this spring," said Laurel Diver, manager of human resources and risk. Several full-time positions are also available, including a social media specialist.

To apply for employment opportunities, and to watch for future job openings, visit www.LCFPD.org/jobs or call 847-968-3242 to learn more about the available positions. Learn more » 

Planning a special event this year? The Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago and The Lodge at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park are booking events for 2022! These versatile spaces can be reserved for business meetings, memorials, showers, weddings and other special events. Both indoor and outdoor options are available. 

For pricing and availability, contact Greenbelt at 847-968-3477 or Greenbelt@LCFPD.org and ThunderHawk at 847-968-3450 or ThunderHawkEvents@LCFPD.org.

We’re in the heart of the hooting season, when local owls pair up to mate. Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof writes about the joy of listening for the nightly calls of great horned owls, barred owls, and eastern screech owls in a recent blog post.

“Owling takes real effort,” she writes. “But the reward comes in the quiet glow of a winter sunset, where the silence of the moonrise is cracked by the chorus of howling owls.” Read more on the Lake County Nature blog. 

Community Events & News

Top of the morning to you as we view the top 10 things to do in March 2022. Although we lose an hour of sleep, everyone has had just about enough of a Lake County winter wonderland. Spring will soon be here! Celebrate March by checking out Visit Lake County’s list of top 10 things to do.

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.

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:

• Law and Judicial Committee: March 1, 2022
• Health and Community Services Committee: March 1, 2022
• Public Works Planning and Transportation Committee: March 2, 2022
• Financial and Administrative Committee: March 3, 2022